Played on Mar 17, 2026
Game Played in ISKU Arena
General Game Notes: The first playoff game played in Lahti saw the home team Pelicans slightly better in the first two periods, but the visiting team HPK was more productive. In the third period, HPK took control of the game and deservedly secured the win.
Kaj Saarinen (G, L, 6’3″, 181, HPK U20, 09/20/2004)
Game Rating
A
1 Viewing
Comments: Kaj is a tall left-catching goaltender who recorded 25 saves and delivered a consistent performance throughout the game. He moved well in the crease and presented as an agile goalie, covering angles effectively and controlling rebounds by holding the puck. He also reacted well to second-chance opportunities and showed good overall awareness in the crease.
Ilari Makinen (RW, L, 6’0″, 161, HPK U20, 12/12/2008)
Game Rating
B+
Ilari is a physically strong left-handed winger with above-average height who plays both on the power play and in critical game situations. He excels at moving around the ice, using his size to screen shots and create scoring chances. Ilari’s ability to read the game well allows him to anticipate and react to plays, making him an asset on both offense and defense. He is particularly effective when operating in the net-front area, where he uses his strength to fight for space. Ilari also demonstrates good timing and movement, often disrupting opponents’ passes and gaining scoring chances. However, there are moments where he could improve his overall game by adding more aggressiveness and efficiency in his board play.
4 Viewings
Comments: Ilari is a left-shot right winger of taller stature who played on his team’s second line and was used on both the power play and the penalty kill. He recorded four hits in the game. He stood out mainly in the second and third periods, bringing a strong physical presence as expected in a playoff game. He delivered two notable hits in the second period, first finishing a hard check around the offensive zone blue line and later another in the defensive zone. He also got on the scoresheet, scoring his team’s fourth goal on the power play while operating in the net-front area, finishing with a quick and accurate shot.
Eppe Seikkula (C, L, 5’11”, 174, HPK U20, 10/20/2007)
Game Rating
B
Eppe Seikkula is a skilled left-handed center who excels at moving the puck quickly through the offensive zone. He demonstrated strong play around the net and in the net front area, often creating scoring opportunities with his quick moves and positioning. He showed proficiency in finishing checks in the offensive zone and was effective in finding free space to shoot. While he has a strong ability to score, there are areas for improvement, such as game reading in the defensive zone. Eppe also demonstrated his faceoff skills, winning 13 out of 20.
2 Viewings
Comments: Eppe is a left-shot center of medium stature who played on his team’s second line and was used on both the power play and the penalty kill. He stood out mainly in the first period. He showed good net-front presence, awareness, and pressure around the crease, which led to his team’s first goal when he finished a quick rebound. He also demonstrated good defensive awareness, for example after a defensive-zone faceoff where he effectively boxed out the opposing center. One area for improvement could be faceoffs, as he won only 5 of his 13 draws.
Elmeri Laamanen (D, R, 5’7″, 134, HPK U20, 03/22/2007)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Elmeri is a right-shot defenseman of smaller stature who played on his team’s second defensive pair and was also used on the power play. He presented as an agile defenseman with good mobility and showed composure across the ice. This was evident through his head-on-a-swivel awareness and communication with his defensive partner in the defensive zone, allowing him to move the puck quickly. On the power play, he operated on the right side and showed good awareness with a shot-pass that found his teammate for a deflection. He also recorded one successful block during the game.
Niklas Saarelma (D, L, 6’2″, 176, HPK U20, 07/13/2006)
Game Rating
A-
Saarelma is a physically imposing left-handed defenseman who plays a responsible game on the top pairing of his team. He excels at reading pressure and responding effectively, often gaining possession in critical situations. On defense, he demonstrates good positioning and timing, freezing the puck in key areas to allow support to arrive. His board play is also solid, particularly when moving around the zone, where he uses his movement to maintain possession. Saarelma shows potential as an offensive threat, able to quickly accelerate in the defensive zone, navigate through the neutral zone with ease, and deliver accurate shots from distance.
2 Viewings
Comments: Niklas is a left-shot defenseman of taller stature who played on his team’s top defensive pair and was used on both the power play and the penalty kill. He logged nearly 26 minutes of ice time and recorded five shots on goal. He stood out mainly for his defensive play and showed how important he can be for his team, especially in playoff situations. He presented an active and aggressive approach in the defensive zone, limiting opponents’ space, using his stick effectively, and taking advantage of his physical attributes. On the power play, he operated below the blue line and showed good movement. He was also effective during zone entries, not hesitating to carry the puck himself and support the transition to offense.
Totte Pulli (L, 6’3″, 196, HPK, 04/27/2005)
Game Rating
B+
Totte is a tall, left-handed left winger who plays with good skating and movement skills. He provides close support along the boards in the offensive zone, recovering pucks and helping gain puck possession time. In critical situations, such as power play and penalty kill, he utilizes his size to effectively cover areas and limit opponents’ chances. As the game progresses, Totte becomes more engaged, creating scoring opportunities with his quick speed through the neutral zone. He showcases a reliable shot and demonstrates his ability to beat defenders with clever moves. However, there is room for improvement in terms of physicality, as he sometimes hesitates to finish checks in the offensive zone.
3 Viewings
Comments: Totte is a tall left-shot left winger who played on his team’s top line and was used on both the power play and the penalty kill. He stood out mainly in the first and third periods. Defensively, he showed an active approach along the boards in the defensive zone and provided support to his teammates. In the offensive zone, he benefited from his size and was most effective in the net-front area, where he looked for space and recorded one good deflection. He also tried to find his teammates in the slot with quick passes, contributing to offensive play.
Lauri Rantanen (D, R, 6’0″, 192, Pelicans U20, 12/11/2008)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Lauri is a right-shot defenseman of medium stature who played on his team’s third defensive pair and was used on the penalty kill. He stood out mainly in the second and third periods. Defensively, he played a very important role in the final phase of the game when his team was killing a two-man disadvantage for almost two minutes – operating on the right side, he showed good angling and took away the shooting lane, preventing the opponent from getting a clean shot. Offensively, he left a good impression thanks to his movement along the offensive zone blue line with the puck, where he showed confidence, stayed composed, and moved the puck effectively.
Verneri Vauhkonen (D, L, 6’2″, 181, Pelicans U20, 01/06/2006)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Verneri is a left-shot defenseman of taller stature who started the game as the seventh defenseman and was also used on the penalty kill. As the game progressed, he earned more ice time and stood out with his performance. He did a solid job defensively, especially on the penalty kill. In one 1v1 situation, he used his size and active stick effectively to push an opponent with good speed behind the net. He also looked to contribute offensively, for example in one sequence where he provided support behind the opponent’s net and recovered the puck. He recorded one successful block in the game.
Severi Sipila (LW, L, 5’10”, 168, Pelicans U20, 05/12/2007)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Severi is a left winger who played on his team’s fourth line. Although he logged just over ten minutes of ice time, he stood out with his performance, and Pelicans’ fourth line delivered exactly what is expected from this unit in playoff hockey. He finished his checks in the offensive zone and played a physical game. He also showed good puck protection along the boards in the offensive zone, which helped him win battles and maintain possession, demonstrating his ability to generate puck possession time for his team.
Jooa Baf (C, L, 5’9″, 166, Pelicans U20, 09/13/2007)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Jooa is a center who played on his team’s fourth line and was also used on the penalty kill. He was one of the members of the fourth line who logged around ten minutes of ice time, but delivered a physical performance with four hits, and his line played exactly the role expected in playoff hockey. He finished his checks in the offensive zone, which was noticeable in multiple situations, and forechecked actively, managing to recover pucks for his team. One area for improvement could be faceoffs, as he won only 4 of his 10 draws.
Luka^Arkko|
Mar 17/26David Herman#29 Arkko, Luka (Lahti)Birth Date: Jan 14, 2008Line: 3Position: LW6.03 / 212Underage (’26)
Game Rating
B+
Luka is a tall, left-handed left wing with good skater feet, able to quickly gain speed with the puck and maneuver around defenders. He showed strong backchecking and forechecking skills, demonstrating his ability to transition seamlessly between defense and offense. His net-front drive was notable, particularly during power plays where he recorded successful blocks. Luka’s puck control and passing abilities are also noteworthy, showcasing smoothness and confidence in his movements.
3 Viewings
Comments: Luka is a tall left-shot left winger who played on his team’s third line and was also used on the power play. He stood out mainly in the offensive zone, for example with a quick shot during a counterattack. He played a key role in the net-front area, especially in the hard areas typical for playoff hockey. He operated there both at even strength and on the power play, playing very actively. There were multiple situations where he showed good reactions and awareness after his teammates’ shots, looking for rebounds and recorded few of them, as well as on the power play where he screened the goalie and was willing to take physical contact. In one sequence, he attempted to push the puck past the goalie at the near post with a backhand effort.
Onni Amhamdi (D, L, 6’2″, 206, Pelicans U20, 01/17/2006)
Game Rating
B+
Onni Amhamdi displayed a well-rounded skill set as a defenseman, showcasing his ability to excel in both defensive and transitional situations. His tall stature allowed him to effectively use his reach to engage opponents in physical play, making it challenging for them to navigate through the neutral zone. When necessary, he was willing to step up and protect the goalie, demonstrating a strong sense of responsibility. Additionally, Onni’s puck-handling skills were on display as he efficiently moved the puck out of defense to support swift offense-forcing breaks.
2 Viewings
Comments: Onni is a left-shot defenseman of taller stature who played on his team’s top defensive pair and was also used on the power play. He logged 24 minutes of ice time and recorded three shots on goal. He presented mainly as a defensive-minded defenseman who showed strong play defensively and dominance along the boards, especially in the defensive zone. He demonstrated an aggressive approach, for example when he waited for the opponent, stepped up quickly to freeze the play, and helped recover the puck for his team in the defensive zone. He also recorded one successful block on the penalty kill.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images