Tappara defeated HIFK in an entertaining match, where Ilari Melart momentarily raised the hopes of the people of Helsinki.
HIFK’s Niilo Halonen collects himself on his knees while Tappara celebrates. AOP/Mika Kylmäniemi
The Nokia Arena audience would rub their eyes at the beginning of the second period of the Tappara–HIFK match, when Ilari Melart shot the puck into the goal twice in a very short time. However, it was not the first two-goal match of his career.
– Sometimes there have been two-goal games, but there are no statistics about it, HIFK’s star defender knew.
From the goals scored by Melarti, you really noticed that they weren’t any splashes, but carefully thought out positions.
– They had such a good mask that also helped the matter. Especially in the second one, the veskar didn’t even seem to see when the shot went off.
Did the idea of a hat trick cross your mind at any point?
– Yes, there was enough to think about in that game, so the thought didn’t start galloping, Melart said.
About ten years ago, the cult defender was not really known as a goalscorer, but the years abroad shaped the player profile of the colossus into a new belief. For example, in Swedish Växjö, Melart scored 12 goals in two different seasons.
In the end, Tappara was stronger in Thursday night’s only league match with a score of 5–2 and caused HIFK’s first loss of the season.
– Unfortunately, we didn’t reach the level the game required. Tappara was good, and we were not enough in the core. It’s good to take a stand right away about what the level of requirements is, Melart pointed out.
HIFK’s next match is scheduled for Saturday also in Tampere, when Ilves will face them. However, the team goes to Helsinki between matches.