HPK plays in the quarterfinals of the SM league. The team’s coffers are ringing.
HPK’s Anrei Hakulinen takes the puck and Luko’s players wonder. Lukko continues to wonder during the summer holidays, and HPK will face Tappara in the quarterfinals. ELMERI ELO / AOP
The chairman of HPK Liiga oy, Jyrki Louhi, tells how HPK wedged itself into the playoffs of the SM league and sensationally sent Rauma Luko to the summer pastures with match wins 3–1.
– We didn’t give up during the season. We didn’t do player sales, but I mean more the mental space in the whole club. We have tried to strengthen the team in many areas.
The mood of the rest of the season is important in hockey.
– The rest of the regular season was good. It probably brought the team together and gave everyone faith. This thing is all about the little ones. We beat Tappara in the last game of the regular season. And our goalie Kim Saarinen loves hockey, Louhi said.
Economic significance
Kim Saarinen started the playoffs brilliantly. HPK’s goalkeeper save percentage against Lukko was 96.7. Elmeri Elo / AOP
Louhi admits that getting to the playoffs and progressing to the second round is a significant thing for the club’s finances.
– I can’t estimate the net effect yet, but yes, this can be seen in the turnover in several hundreds of thousands of euros. Of course, it depends on how many home games we play against Tappara.
Louhi surprisingly considers Tapparaa to be an ideal opponent.
– Tampere is close, and their fans have started moving here. Supporters will certainly move in both directions. In the first round of the playoffs, the halls don’t seem to be full in any city. Maybe they will fill up in the quarterfinals, former top player Louhi thinks.
– But yes, this is a really significant thing for our economy.
With a humble mind
Jyrki Louhi admits that playoff success has a significant impact on HPK’s finances. KIMMO HAAPALA
HPK is already the spring’s big surprise. It will be interesting to see how far the wings of a small team can carry.
– With a humble mind, let’s go again. The opponent will be one of the best teams in Europe. Little HPK really needs to succeed if something from the series is wanted. The individuals in our team do have ambition. We will not give up, says Louhi.
– We have beaten Tappara twice this season. We thoroughly enjoyed this situation.
