HIFK’s goalkeeper situation as the playoffs approach is worrying.
Eemil Vinni made his debut with HIFK’s goal when the score was 4–2. In the end, HIFK won the match 5–3. Matti Raivio
HIFK beat Sport on Tuesday 5–3, but lost their number one goalkeeper in the middle of the second period Roope Taponenwho had to leave the game.
The head coach Ville Peltonen was not able to tell about the seriousness of Taponen’s injury.
When also the other goalkeeper Niilo Halonen is on the injured list, the 17-year-old skated between the posts Eemil Vinni.
– At first it was a bit tense when “Lunkka” said that now we have to jump in the box, Vinni said, referring to the goalkeeper coach to Jan Lundell.
– When I got the first save, it started from there. It wasn’t that bad, but it was cool to play when the fans cheered after every save.
Vinni knew how to prepare for a possible game command for a while.
– I saw at the first break that Roope was quite down.
Vinni, originally from Vantaa, has played 29 matches in HIFK’s U20 team this season with a save percentage of 89.8. In the Finnish U18 national team, 11 matches have produced a save percentage of 90.2.
He had previously been able to smell league pace as a second keeper in ten matches.
– Of course it was nice to be able to play now. This was a unique experience.
– All my life I’ve played the game, so I can do it, Vinni said confidently, as it should be.
The young molar is not fazed by the possible role of the starting goalkeeper in Wednesday’s top match as a guest of the recent CHL champion Tappara.
– I’m always ready, but let’s go one day at a time, Vinni stated.
– It is very possible that he will play against Tappara, Peltonen said.