HIFK (ice hockey)
Encyclopedia
HIFK is an ice hockey
team based in Helsinki
, Finland
. The team plays at Helsinki Ice Hall. It was founded in 1897. Since then, HIFK has won the Finnish National Championship title seven times (1969, 1970, 1974, 1980, 1983, 1998 and 2011).
The derbys against local rivals Jokerit
are often sold out and are one of the fiercest in Nordic hockey.
HIFK's general manager starting from May 1 2008 is Jukka Valtanen. He is the successor of Pentti Matikainen
, who coached Team Finland to its first hockey Olympic medal (silver) in Calgary 1988.
HIFK won the Finnish championship title in 2011 against Espoo Blues.
The championship team from 1998 is widely recognized as one of the best ever to have skated together in the top flight of Finnish ice hockey.
Players who featured 1998 championship team included a number of future (and former) NHL stars – including Tim Thomas
(Boston Bruins
), Jan Čaloun (Columbus Blue Jackets
), Johan Davidsson (Anaheim Ducks
), Miika Elomo (Washington Capitals
), Bob Halkidis (Buffalo Sabres
, Detroit Red Wings
), *Olli Jokinen
(Los Angeles Kings
, Florida Panthers
, Phoenix Coyotes
, Calgary Flames
), *Jere Karalahti
(Los Angeles Kings), Jarno Kultanen (Boston Bruins), *Brian Rafalski
(Detroit Red Wings), Christian Ruuttu (Buffalo Sabres, Chicago Blackhawks
), *Jarkko Ruutu
(Vancouver Canucks
, Pittsburgh Penguins
, Ottawa Senators
, Anaheim Ducks
), Kimmo Timonen
(Philadelphia Flyers
) and Marko Tuomainen (Los Angeles Kings).
winner Carl Brewer
. Hired in 1968 as a playing coach, he advocated a North American style of play which has persisted in HIFK since. Brewer's influence to the way hockey is played in Finland led to his posthumous induction to the Finnish Hockey Hall of Fame
in 2003.
Ice hockey
Ice hockey, often referred to as hockey, is a team sport played on ice, in which skaters use wooden or composite sticks to shoot a hard rubber puck into their opponent's net. The game is played between two teams of six players each. Five members of each team skate up and down the ice trying to take...
team based in Helsinki
Helsinki
Helsinki is the capital and largest city in Finland. It is in the region of Uusimaa, located in southern Finland, on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, an arm of the Baltic Sea. The population of the city of Helsinki is , making it by far the most populous municipality in Finland. Helsinki is...
, Finland
Finland
Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside...
. The team plays at Helsinki Ice Hall. It was founded in 1897. Since then, HIFK has won the Finnish National Championship title seven times (1969, 1970, 1974, 1980, 1983, 1998 and 2011).
The derbys against local rivals Jokerit
Jokerit
Jokerit is an ice-hockey team from Helsinki, Finland, playing in the Finnish Elite League, SM-liiga. The team has won 6 league championships...
are often sold out and are one of the fiercest in Nordic hockey.
HIFK's general manager starting from May 1 2008 is Jukka Valtanen. He is the successor of Pentti Matikainen
Pentti Matikainen
Pentti Matikainen is a Finnish hockey coach and general manager. He was selected the SM-liiga coach of the year in 1984. As the coach of the Finnish national ice hockey team, he led Finland to silver medals in the 1988 Winter Olympics and the 1992 World Championships, and to third place in the...
, who coached Team Finland to its first hockey Olympic medal (silver) in Calgary 1988.
HIFK won the Finnish championship title in 2011 against Espoo Blues.
The championship team from 1998 is widely recognized as one of the best ever to have skated together in the top flight of Finnish ice hockey.
Players who featured 1998 championship team included a number of future (and former) NHL stars – including Tim Thomas
Tim Thomas (ice hockey)
Timothy James Thomas, Jr. is an American professional ice hockey goaltender with the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League . Raised in Davison, MI, Thomas played college hockey for the University of Vermont for four years, from 1993–1997, during which he was drafted 217th overall by the...
(Boston Bruins
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the...
), Jan Čaloun (Columbus Blue Jackets
Columbus Blue Jackets
The Columbus Blue Jackets are a professional ice hockey team based in Columbus, Ohio, United States. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
), Johan Davidsson (Anaheim Ducks
Anaheim Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks are a professional ice hockey team based in Anaheim, California, USA. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
), Miika Elomo (Washington Capitals
Washington Capitals
The Washington Capitals are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Since their founding in 1974, "The Caps" have won one conference championship to reach the 1998 Stanley Cup...
), Bob Halkidis (Buffalo Sabres
Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League .-Founding and early success: 1970-71—1980-81:...
, Detroit Red Wings
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York...
), *Olli Jokinen
Olli Jokinen
Olli Jokinen is a Finnish professional ice hockey player currently playing for the Calgary Flames of the National Hockey League . He was initially drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in 1997, third overall after Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau. He was the captain of the Florida Panthers from 2003...
(Los Angeles Kings
Los Angeles Kings
The Los Angeles Kings are a professional ice hockey team based in Los Angeles, California. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
, Florida Panthers
Florida Panthers
The Florida Panthers are a professional ice hockey team based in Sunrise, Florida, in the Miami metropolitan area. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . They play their games at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise and are the...
, Phoenix Coyotes
Phoenix Coyotes
The Phoenix Coyotes are a professional ice hockey team based in Glendale, Arizona. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They play their home games at Jobing.com Arena....
, Calgary Flames
Calgary Flames
The Calgary Flames are a professional ice hockey team based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is the third major-professional ice hockey team to represent the city of Calgary, following the...
), *Jere Karalahti
Jere Karalahti
Jere Juhani Karalahti is a Finnish professional ice hockey defenceman now playing for Dinamo Minsk in the Kontinental Hockey League. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings as their sixth-round pick in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft....
(Los Angeles Kings), Jarno Kultanen (Boston Bruins), *Brian Rafalski
Brian Rafalski
Brian Christopher Rafalski is a retired American professional ice hockey defenseman who played 15 professional ice hockey seasons for five teams: 11 in the National Hockey League for two teams , three in SM-liiga for two teams prior to entering the NHL, and one in Elitserien for...
(Detroit Red Wings), Christian Ruuttu (Buffalo Sabres, Chicago Blackhawks
Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10...
), *Jarkko Ruutu
Jarkko Ruutu
Jarkko Ruutu ; born August 23, 1975) is a Finnish professional ice hockey player. Ruutu is currently playing for SM-Liiga team Jokerit. He is the brother of Tuomo Ruutu, currently playing in the NHL on the Carolina Hurricanes, and retired player Mikko Ruutu....
(Vancouver Canucks
Vancouver Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks are a professional ice hockey team based in Vancouver, :British Columbia, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Canucks play their home games at Rogers Arena, formerly known as General Motors Place,...
, Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The franchise was founded in 1967 as one of the first expansion teams during the league's original...
, Ottawa Senators
Ottawa Senators
The Ottawa Senators are a professional ice hockey team based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
, Anaheim Ducks
Anaheim Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks are a professional ice hockey team based in Anaheim, California, USA. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
), Kimmo Timonen
Kimmo Timonen
Kimmo Timonen is a Finnish professional ice hockey defenseman and an alternate captain for the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League .-Playing career:...
(Philadelphia Flyers
Philadelphia Flyers
The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
) and Marko Tuomainen (Los Angeles Kings).
History
One of the major influences to HIFK was the NHL veteran and Stanley CupStanley Cup
The Stanley Cup is an ice hockey club trophy, awarded annually to the National Hockey League playoffs champion after the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Finals. It has been referred to as The Cup, Lord Stanley's Cup, The Holy Grail, or facetiously as Lord Stanley's Mug...
winner Carl Brewer
Carl Brewer
Carl Thomas Brewer was a Canadian ice hockey defenceman. He had attended De La Salle College prior to his hockey career....
. Hired in 1968 as a playing coach, he advocated a North American style of play which has persisted in HIFK since. Brewer's influence to the way hockey is played in Finland led to his posthumous induction to the Finnish Hockey Hall of Fame
Finnish Hockey Hall of Fame
The Finnish Hockey Hall of Fame is part of the Vapriikki Museum Centre in Tampere, Finland and was created in 1979 to honor those individuals who have contributed to Finnish ice hockey...
in 2003.
Current team
| Goaltenders | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number | |Player | Catches | Contract Length | Place of Birth | |
 |
Dennis Endras Dennis Endras Dennis Endras is a German professional ice hockey goaltender. He is currently playing with HIFK of the SM-Liiga.-Playing career:... |
L | 2012 | Immenstadt Immenstadt Immenstadt im Allgäu is a town in the Upper Allgäu, far southern region of Bavaria, Germany, in the German Alps.-External links:*... , Bavaria Bavaria Bavaria, formally the Free State of Bavaria is a state of Germany, located in the southeast of Germany. With an area of , it is the largest state by area, forming almost 20% of the total land area of Germany... , West-Germany |
|
| 30 |  |
Mika Norja | L | 2012 | Lohja Lohja Lohja , is a town and municipality of Finland.It is located in the province of Southern Finland and is part of the Uusimaa region. The town has a population of and covers an area of ofwhich is water... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| 34 | |
Juuso Riksman Juuso Riksman Juuso Riksman is a Finnish professional ice hockey goaltender.Riksman played junior hockey in the HIFK organization, but started his pro career with Hermes of Kokkola, then in the 1st division. After a visit to Kiruna in the Swedish 1st division, Riksman returned to HIFK... |
L | 2012 | Helsinki Helsinki Helsinki is the capital and largest city in Finland. It is in the region of Uusimaa, located in southern Finland, on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, an arm of the Baltic Sea. The population of the city of Helsinki is , making it by far the most populous municipality in Finland. Helsinki is... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| 60 | |
Jan Lundell Jan Lundell Jan Lundell is a Finnish professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing in IFK Helsinki of the SM-liiga.... |
L | 2012 | Helsinki Helsinki Helsinki is the capital and largest city in Finland. It is in the region of Uusimaa, located in southern Finland, on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, an arm of the Baltic Sea. The population of the city of Helsinki is , making it by far the most populous municipality in Finland. Helsinki is... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| Defencemen | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number | |Player | Shoots | Contract Length | Place of Birth | |
| 3 | |
Mikko Jokela Mikko Jokela Mikko Jokela is a Finnish professional ice hockey defenceman. He played one game in the National Hockey League for the Vancouver Canucks in 2003.... |
R | 2013 | Lappeenranta Lappeenranta Lappeenranta is a city and municipality that resides on the shore of the lake Saimaa in South-Eastern Finland, about from the Russian border. It belongs to the region of South Karelia. With approximately inhabitants Lappeenranta is the largest city in Finland... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| 8 | |
Mikko Kousa Mikko Kousa Mikko Kousa is a Finnish professional ice hockey defenceman who currently plays for HIFK of the SM-liiga.-External links:... |
R | 2012 | Lahti Lahti Lahti is a city and municipality in Finland.Lahti is the capital of the Päijänne Tavastia region. It is situated on a bay at the southern end of lake Vesijärvi about north-east of the capital Helsinki... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| 12 | |
Markus Kankaanperä Markus Kankaanperä Markus Kankaanperä is a Finnish professional ice hockey defenseman, currently with HIFK in SM-liiga. He was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks as their eighth-round pick, 218th overall, in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft.... |
L | 2012 | Skellefteå Skellefteå -Industry:*Boliden AB, a big mining and smelting company*Alimak*Natural User Interface Technologies AB - NUITEQ, a promising emerging technology start-up company-Sports:*Skellefteå AIK, an ice hockey team in the highest Swedish league, Elitserien.... , Sweden Sweden Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund.... |
| 15 | |
Mikko Kurvinen Mikko Kurvinen Mikko Kurvinen is a Finnish professional ice hockey defenceman who currently plays for HIFK of the SM-liiga.-External links:... |
L | 2012 | Anjalankoski Anjalankoski Anjalankoski is a former town and municipality of Finland. It had 17,301 inhabitants . About 4/5 of the people live in the vicinity of the Kymi River. The most densely populated communities are Myllykoski and Inkeroinen. In addition, there is plenty of countryside.The town's major industry is... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| 26 | |
Toni Söderholm Toni Söderholm Toni Kristian Söderholm is a Finnish professional ice hockey defenceman, currently playing for HIFK in the SM-liiga.-Regular season and playoffs:-International:-External links:... |
L | 2012 | Helsinki Helsinki Helsinki is the capital and largest city in Finland. It is in the region of Uusimaa, located in southern Finland, on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, an arm of the Baltic Sea. The population of the city of Helsinki is , making it by far the most populous municipality in Finland. Helsinki is... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| 41 | |
Ilari Melart Ilari Melart Ilari Melart is a Finnish ice hockey defenceman who currently represents HIFK of the Finnish top flight, the SM-Liiga.-Career:... |
L | 2013 | Helsinki Helsinki Helsinki is the capital and largest city in Finland. It is in the region of Uusimaa, located in southern Finland, on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, an arm of the Baltic Sea. The population of the city of Helsinki is , making it by far the most populous municipality in Finland. Helsinki is... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| 45 | |
Christian Silfver | L | 2014 | Helsinki Helsinki Helsinki is the capital and largest city in Finland. It is in the region of Uusimaa, located in southern Finland, on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, an arm of the Baltic Sea. The population of the city of Helsinki is , making it by far the most populous municipality in Finland. Helsinki is... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| 47 | |
Juuso Salmi Juuso Salmi Juuso Salmi is a Finnish ice hockey defenceman who is currently playing for the HIFK Helsinki of the SM-liiga.- External links :... |
L | 2014 | Helsinki Helsinki Helsinki is the capital and largest city in Finland. It is in the region of Uusimaa, located in southern Finland, on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, an arm of the Baltic Sea. The population of the city of Helsinki is , making it by far the most populous municipality in Finland. Helsinki is... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| 67 | |
Kristian Tuohilampi Kristian Tuohilampi Kristian Tuohilampi is a Finnish ice hockey defenceman who is currently playing for the HIFK Helsinki of theSM-liiga.- External links :... |
L | 2013 | Helsinki Helsinki Helsinki is the capital and largest city in Finland. It is in the region of Uusimaa, located in southern Finland, on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, an arm of the Baltic Sea. The population of the city of Helsinki is , making it by far the most populous municipality in Finland. Helsinki is... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| Forwards | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number | |Player | Shoots | Position | Contract Length | Place of Birth | |
| 9 | |
Kimmo Kuhta Kimmo Kuhta Kimmo Kuhta is a Finnish professional ice hockey forward.Apart from spending the 2005-06 season in the Swiss league, Kuhta has represented HIFK in the SM-liiga since 1998.-External links:*... |
L | RW | 2012 | Helsinki Helsinki Helsinki is the capital and largest city in Finland. It is in the region of Uusimaa, located in southern Finland, on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, an arm of the Baltic Sea. The population of the city of Helsinki is , making it by far the most populous municipality in Finland. Helsinki is... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| 11 | |
Markus Granlund Markus Granlund Markus Granlund is a Finnish professional ice hockey forward who currently plays for HIFK of the SM-liiga. His brother, Mikael Granlund, who was drafted by Minnesota Wild, also plays for HIFK. He was drafted by the Calgary Flames in the second round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft-External links:... |
L | C | 2013 | Oulu Oulu Oulu is a city and municipality of inhabitants in the region of Northern Ostrobothnia, in Finland. It is the most populous city in Northern Finland and the sixth most populous city in the country. It is one of the northernmost larger cities in the world.... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| 13 | |
Petteri Wirtanen Petteri Wirtanen Petteri Wirtanen is an ice hockey player. Wirtanen was selected 172nd overall in the 6th round of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft by the Anaheim Ducks. He made his National Hockey League debut for the Ducks on October 17, 2007.... |
L | C | 2012 | Hyvinkää Hyvinkää Hyvinkää is a town and municipality of Finland. It is located in Uusimaa region, approximately north of the capital Helsinki. The town was chartered in 1960. Hyvinkää belongs to the Province of Southern Finland. The population of Hyvinkää is .... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| 16 | |
Ville Peltonen Ville Peltonen Ville Peltonen is a Finnish professional ice hockey forward currently playing for the HIFK of the SM-liiga . He was drafted by the San Jose Sharks as their third round pick, 58th overall, in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft.... |
L | LW | 2012 | Vantaa Vantaa Vantaa is a city and municipality in Finland. Helsinki, Vantaa, Espoo and Kauniainen make up the Helsinki Metropolitan Area.Vantaa, with its population of , is the fourth most populated city of Finland. The biggest airport in Finland, the Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, is located there... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| 18 | |
Robert Nyholm Robert Nyholm Robert Nyholm is a Finnish professional ice hockey forward who currently plays for HIFK of the SM-liiga. He was selected by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 5th round of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.-External links:... |
L | RW | 2013 | Jakobstad Jakobstad Jakobstad is a town and municipality in Ostrobothnia, Finland. The town has a population of and covers a land area of . The population density is .- History :... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| 19 | |
Turo Järvinen Turo Järvinen Turo Järvinen is a Finnish professional ice hockey forward who currently plays for HIFK of the SM-liiga.-External links:... |
L | LW | 2012 | Espoo Espoo Espoo is the second largest city and municipality in Finland. The population of the city of Espoo is . It is part of the Helsinki Metropolitan Area along with the cities of Helsinki, Vantaa, and Kauniainen. Espoo shares its eastern border with Helsinki and Vantaa, while enclosing Kauniainen.... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| 25 | |
Janne Pesonen Janne Pesonen Janne Pesonen is a Finnish professional ice hockey winger currently an unrestricted free agent .- Career :... |
L | LW | 2012 | Suomussalmi Suomussalmi Suomussalmi is a municipality in Finland and is located in the Kainuu region. The municipality has a population of and covers an area of of which is water. The population density is . The municipality is unilingually Finnish... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| 27 | |
Erkki Rajamäki Erkki Rajamäki Erkki Rajamäki is a Finnish ice hockey left winger currently playing for HIFK Helsinki of the SM-liiga.- Career stats :- External links :... |
L | LW | 2012 | Vantaa Vantaa Vantaa is a city and municipality in Finland. Helsinki, Vantaa, Espoo and Kauniainen make up the Helsinki Metropolitan Area.Vantaa, with its population of , is the fourth most populated city of Finland. The biggest airport in Finland, the Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, is located there... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| 31 | |
Miikka Tuomainen Miikka Tuomainen Miikka Tuomainen is a Finnish professional ice hockey player who currently plays professionally in Finland for Lukko of the SM-liiga.-External links:... |
L | LW | 2013 | Turku Turku Turku is a city situated on the southwest coast of Finland at the mouth of the Aura River. It is located in the region of Finland Proper. It is believed that Turku came into existence during the end of the 13th century which makes it the oldest city in Finland... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| 33 | |
Eero Somervuori Eero Somervuori Eero Somervuori is a Finnish ice hockey forward. He is currently playing for Brynäs IF in the Swedish Elitserien. He has won the Finnish Championship twice, in 1996/97 with Jokerit and 2004/05 with Kärpät.... |
R | RW | 2013 | Järvenpää Järvenpää Järvenpää is a town and municipality of Finland.-History:Järvenpää was separated from its parent community Tuusula in 1951. Järvenpää was granted the status of a market town after the separation. Neighbouring districts Kellokoski and Nummenkylä were not added to the municipality of Järvenpää and... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| 42 | |
Micke-Max Åsten | L | RW | 2012 | Helsinki Helsinki Helsinki is the capital and largest city in Finland. It is in the region of Uusimaa, located in southern Finland, on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, an arm of the Baltic Sea. The population of the city of Helsinki is , making it by far the most populous municipality in Finland. Helsinki is... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| 44 | |
Kim Hirschovits Kim Hirschovits Kim Hirschovits is a professional ice hockey forward. He was drafted by the New York Rangers as their sixth-round pick, #194 overall, in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. He is 6'1" tall and weighs 183 lbs.-Career:... |
L | C | 2013 | Helsinki Helsinki Helsinki is the capital and largest city in Finland. It is in the region of Uusimaa, located in southern Finland, on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, an arm of the Baltic Sea. The population of the city of Helsinki is , making it by far the most populous municipality in Finland. Helsinki is... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| 57 | |
Niko Piiparinen Niko Piiparinen Niko Piiparinen is a Finnish professional ice hockey forward who currently plays for HIFK of the SM-liiga.-External links:... |
L | C | 2012 (2013) | Helsinki Helsinki Helsinki is the capital and largest city in Finland. It is in the region of Uusimaa, located in southern Finland, on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, an arm of the Baltic Sea. The population of the city of Helsinki is , making it by far the most populous municipality in Finland. Helsinki is... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| 64 | |
Mikael Granlund Mikael Granlund Mikael Antero Granlund is a Finnish professional ice hockey centre who currently plays for HIFK of the Finnish SM-Liiga... |
L | C | 2012 | Oulu Oulu Oulu is a city and municipality of inhabitants in the region of Northern Ostrobothnia, in Finland. It is the most populous city in Northern Finland and the sixth most populous city in the country. It is one of the northernmost larger cities in the world.... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
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Eetu Pöysti Eetu Pöysti Eetu Pöysti is a Finnish professional ice hockey forward who currently plays for HIFK of the SM-liiga.-External links:... |
R | RW | 2012 | Helsinki Helsinki Helsinki is the capital and largest city in Finland. It is in the region of Uusimaa, located in southern Finland, on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, an arm of the Baltic Sea. The population of the city of Helsinki is , making it by far the most populous municipality in Finland. Helsinki is... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
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Siim Liivik Siim Liivik Siim Liivik is an Estonian Finnish ice hockey winger who currently represents HIFK of the Finnish top flight, the SM-Liiga.In 2011 he sang as Märkä-Simo with Jare & VilleGalle in 2011 summer hit Häissä.-Career:... |
L | C | 2013 | Paide Paide Paide is the capital of Järva County, Estonia.A castle built by the Livonian Brothers of the Sword is located here. The town was formally founded 30 September 1291 by Halt, master of the Livonian Order.... , Estonia Estonia Estonia , officially the Republic of Estonia , is a state in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered to the north by the Gulf of Finland, to the west by the Baltic Sea, to the south by Latvia , and to the east by Lake Peipsi and the Russian Federation . Across the Baltic Sea lies... |
Notable players
- Tony Arima
- Terry Ball
- Darren BoykoDarren BoykoDarren Boyko is an NHL one-gamer and an Elitserien one-gamer. He played one game in the NHL for the Winnipeg Jets in 1989 and one game in Elitserien for Västra Frölunda HC in 1997....
- Carl BrewerCarl BrewerCarl Thomas Brewer was a Canadian ice hockey defenceman. He had attended De La Salle College prior to his hockey career....
- Jan ČalounJan CalounJan Čaloun is a retired professional hockey player. He is 178 cm tall, 80 kg in weight. He shoots right and plays right wing. He was drafted by the San Jose Sharks in the fourth round, 75th overall in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft...
- Johan DavidssonJohan DavidssonJohan Davidsson is a Swedish professional ice hockey player, currently with HV71 in the Swedish elite league Elitserien. He is a long-time Elitserien player and currently captain of HV71, with which he has won the Swedish championship four times.- Playing career :Davidsson wears jersey number 76...
- Matti ForssMatti ForssMatti Forss is a retired professional ice hockey player who played in the SM-liiga. He played for HIFK and Lukko. He was inducted into the Finnish Hockey Hall of Fame in 1998.-External links:*...
- Steve GuollaSteve GuollaStephen Guolla is a Canadian ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League for the San Jose Sharks, Tampa Bay Lightning, Atlanta Thrashers and the New Jersey Devils....
- Matti HagmanMatti HagmanMatti Risto Tapio "Hakki" Hagman is a former Finnish ice hockey professional. Hagman was the first Finnish-born and Finnish trained player to play an NHL game and the first to play in a Stanley Cup final...
- Bob HalkidisBob HalkidisRobert Halkidis is a retired former professional ice hockey player. After a junior hockey career with the London Knights in which he won the Max Kaminsky Trophy as outstanding defenceman in 1984–85, Halkidis joined the Buffalo Sabres...
- Raimo Hirvonen
- Esa Isaksson
- Iiro JärviIiro JärviIiro Järvi is a retired professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League and SM-Liiga. He played for HIFK, SaiPa, and Quebec Nordiques.- External links :...
- Hannu KapanenHannu KapanenHannu Kapanen is a retired professional ice hockey player who played in the SM-liiga. He played for Jokerit and HIFK...
- Sami KapanenSami KapanenSami Hannu Antero Kapanen is a Finnish professional ice hockey right winger currently playing for KalPa of the SM-liiga. He has played 12 seasons in the National Hockey League for the Hartford Whalers, Carolina Hurricanes and Philadelphia Flyers...
- Jere KaralahtiJere KaralahtiJere Juhani Karalahti is a Finnish professional ice hockey defenceman now playing for Dinamo Minsk in the Kontinental Hockey League. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings as their sixth-round pick in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft....
- Valeri Krykov
- Kimmo KuhtaKimmo KuhtaKimmo Kuhta is a Finnish professional ice hockey forward.Apart from spending the 2005-06 season in the Swiss league, Kuhta has represented HIFK in the SM-liiga since 1998.-External links:*...
- Kari LaitinenKari LaitinenKari Laitinen is a Finnish ice hockey player. He won a silver medal at the 1988 Winter Olympics.-External links:*...
- Ross LupaschukRoss LupaschukRoss Lupaschuk is a Canadian ice hockey defenceman who currently plays for the Cologne Sharks.-Juniors:Lupaschuk played his junior-level hockey in the Western Hockey League for five seasons with the Lethbridge Hurricanes, Prince Albert Raiders and Red Deer Rebels...
- Hannu Lassila
- Pertti LehtonenPertti LehtonenPertti Lehtonen is a retired professional ice hockey player who played in the SM-liiga. He played for HIFK. He was inducted into the Finnish Hockey Hall of Fame in 1998. His nickname was "Ruoska" because of his strong slapshot.-External links:*...
- Sakari LindforsSakari LindforsSakari Lindfors is a retired professional ice hockey player who played in the SM-liiga. He played for HIFK. He was inducted into the Finnish Hockey Hall of Fame in 2005.-External links:*...
- Harri LinnonmaaHarri LinnonmaaHarri Linnonmaa is a retired professional ice hockey player who played in the SM-liiga. He played for HJK and HIFK. He was inducted into the Finnish Hockey Hall of Fame in 1991.-External links:*...
- Anssi MelametsäAnssi MelametsäAnssi Ilari Melametsä is a retired professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League and SM-Liiga. He played for Jokerit, HIFK, and Winnipeg Jets.- External links :...
- Lauri MononenLauri MononenLauri Mononen is a retired professional ice hockey winger.-External links:...
- Cory Murphy
- Raymond MurrayRem MurrayRaymond Joseph "Rem" Murray is a professional ice hockey left winger who plays for Pustertal-Val Pusteria Wolves in the Serie A.- Draft :...
- Matti MurtoMatti MurtoMatti Erkki Olavi Murto is a retired professional ice hockey player who played in the SM-liiga. He played for HIFK. He was inducted into the Finnish Hockey Hall of Fame in 1991.-External links:*...
- Frank Neal
- Timo PärssinenTimo PärssinenTimo Pärssinen is a Finnish professional ice hockey forward currently playing for Timrå IK in the Swedish Elitserien.-Playing career:...
- Lalli PartinenLalli PartinenLalli Simo Samuli Partinen is a retired professional ice hockey player who played in the SM-liiga. He played for HIFK and SaiPa. He was inducted into the Finnish Hockey Hall of Fame in 1987.-External links:*...
- Esa PeltonenEsa PeltonenEsa Olavi Peltonen is a retired professional ice hockey player who played in the SM-liiga for Kärpät, Upon Pallo, HJK, HIFK and Kiekkoreipas. He was inducted into the Finnish Hockey Hall of Fame in 1990....
- Lasse PirjetäLasse PirjetäLasse Pirjetä is a Finnish professional ice hockey forward currently playing for Pelicans in the Finnish SM-liiga...
- Brian RafalskiBrian RafalskiBrian Christopher Rafalski is a retired American professional ice hockey defenseman who played 15 professional ice hockey seasons for five teams: 11 in the National Hockey League for two teams , three in SM-liiga for two teams prior to entering the NHL, and one in Elitserien for...
- Juha RantasilaJuha RantasilaPekka "Juha" Rantasila is a retired professional ice hockey player who played in the SM-liiga. He played for Karhut Pori and HIFK. He was inducted into the Finnish Hockey Hall of Fame in 1989.-External links:*...
- Pekka RautakallioPekka RautakallioPekka Rautakallio is a retired Finnish professional ice hockey defenceman who played three seasons in the National Hockey League for the Atlanta Flames and Calgary Flames.-Early years:...
- Heikki RiihirantaHeikki RiihirantaHeikki "Hexi" Riihiranta is a retired professional ice hockey player who played in the SM-liiga and World Hockey Association.-Career in Finland:...
- Christian RuuttuChristian RuuttuChristian Ruuttu is a former professional ice hockey player.Ruuttu is the father of Alexander Ruuttu, who was drafted by the Phoenix Coyotes.-Playing career:...
- Simo SaarinenSimo SaarinenSimo Olavi Saarinen is a retired professional ice hockey defenceman- Playing career :Simo Saarinen started his career in his hometown team Helsingin IFK. Saarinen played once in the European Junior Ice Hockey Championships and twice in the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships and was soon noticed...
- Tommi SalmelainenTommi SalmelainenTommi Salmelainen is a Finnish hockey left winger who played for HIFK. He was the first ever European drafted in the NHL Entry Draft in 1969 although he never did play in the National Hockey League. He was taken by the St...
- Tony SalmelainenTony SalmelainenTony Salmelainen is a Finnish professional ice hockey forward who plays for Genève-Servette HC and formerly for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl in the Russian Super League...
- Ilkka SinisaloIlkka SinisaloIlkka Antero Jouko Sinisalo is a Finnish former professional ice hockey forward who played eleven seasons in the National Hockey League for the Philadelphia Flyers, Minnesota North Stars and Los Angeles Kings...
- Juhani TamminenJuhani TamminenJuhani Tamminen is a Finnish retired professional ice hockey player who played in the SM-liiga and World Hockey Association. He played for TPS, HJK, HIFK, Cleveland Crusaders, and Phoenix Roadrunners...
- Tim ThomasTim Thomas (ice hockey)Timothy James Thomas, Jr. is an American professional ice hockey goaltender with the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League . Raised in Davison, MI, Thomas played college hockey for the University of Vermont for four years, from 1993–1997, during which he was drafted 217th overall by the...
- Esa TikkanenEsa TikkanenEsa Tikkanen is a retired Finnish professional ice hockey forward. He played for the Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers, St...
- Pekka TuomistoPekka TuomistoPekka Tuomisto is a Finnish retired professional ice hockey player who played in the SM-liiga. Born in Oulu, Finland, he played for Kärpät and HIFK.Tuomisto was inducted into the Finnish Hockey Hall of Fame in 2000.-External links:...
- Roman VopatRoman VopatRoman Vopat is a Czech professional ice hockey forward currently playing for HC Litvínov in the Czech Extraliga. He is the younger brother of former NHL defenceman, Jan Vopat.-Playing career:He was drafted by the St...
- Stig WetzellStig WetzellStig Wetzell is a retired professional ice hockey player who played in the SM-liiga. He played for HJK and HIFK.-Playing career:...
- Carey WilsonCarey WilsonCarey John Wilson is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre who played in the National Hockey League for ten seasons...
Former HIFK players currently in NHL
- Niklas BäckströmNiklas BäckströmNiklas Oskar Bäckström is a Finnish professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League . He has won both William M. Jennings Trophy and Roger Crozier Saving Grace Award...
- Niklas HagmanNiklas HagmanNiklas Hagman is a Finnish professional ice hockey forward currently playing for the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League . He was a third round pick of the Florida Panthers, 70th overall, at the 1999 NHL Entry Draft and made his NHL debut with Florida in 2001...
- Olli JokinenOlli JokinenOlli Jokinen is a Finnish professional ice hockey player currently playing for the Calgary Flames of the National Hockey League . He was initially drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in 1997, third overall after Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau. He was the captain of the Florida Panthers from 2003...
- Toni LydmanToni LydmanToni Lydman is a Finnish professional ice hockey defenceman with the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League. He has previously played for the Buffalo Sabres, Calgary Flames, Tappara , and HIFK . He lives with his wife Heta and his two daughters, Amanda and Ellen...
- John Madden
- Tuomo RuutuTuomo RuutuTuomo Iisakki Ruutu is a Finnish professional ice hockey forward who plays for the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League...
- Tim ThomasTim Thomas (ice hockey)Timothy James Thomas, Jr. is an American professional ice hockey goaltender with the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League . Raised in Davison, MI, Thomas played college hockey for the University of Vermont for four years, from 1993–1997, during which he was drafted 217th overall by the...
- Kimmo TimonenKimmo TimonenKimmo Timonen is a Finnish professional ice hockey defenseman and an alternate captain for the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League .-Playing career:...
- Tomáš VokounTomas VokounTomáš Vokoun is a Czech professional ice hockey goaltender who is currently playing for the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League .-Playing career:...
- Marek ŽidlickýMarek ZidlickyMarek Zidlicky is a Czech professional ice hockey player currently playing for the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League .-Playing career:Marek Zidlicky was selected 176th overall, in the sixth round of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft on June 24, 2001...
- Lennart PetrellLennart PetrellLennart Petrell is a Finnish professional ice hockey player. He currently plays for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League....
Retired numbers
- 1 Stig WetzellStig WetzellStig Wetzell is a retired professional ice hockey player who played in the SM-liiga. He played for HJK and HIFK.-Playing career:...
, 1972–1983 - 5 Heikki RiihirantaHeikki RiihirantaHeikki "Hexi" Riihiranta is a retired professional ice hockey player who played in the SM-liiga and World Hockey Association.-Career in Finland:...
, 1967–1983 - 7 Simo SaarinenSimo SaarinenSimo Olavi Saarinen is a retired professional ice hockey defenceman- Playing career :Simo Saarinen started his career in his hometown team Helsingin IFK. Saarinen played once in the European Junior Ice Hockey Championships and twice in the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships and was soon noticed...
, 1980–1996 - 17 Matti MurtoMatti MurtoMatti Erkki Olavi Murto is a retired professional ice hockey player who played in the SM-liiga. He played for HIFK. He was inducted into the Finnish Hockey Hall of Fame in 1991.-External links:*...
, 1964–1983 - 20 Matti HagmanMatti HagmanMatti Risto Tapio "Hakki" Hagman is a former Finnish ice hockey professional. Hagman was the first Finnish-born and Finnish trained player to play an NHL game and the first to play in a Stanley Cup final...
, 1972–1992 - 22 Mika Kortelainen, 1987–2002
- 23 Pertti LehtonenPertti LehtonenPertti Lehtonen is a retired professional ice hockey player who played in the SM-liiga. He played for HIFK. He was inducted into the Finnish Hockey Hall of Fame in 1998. His nickname was "Ruoska" because of his strong slapshot.-External links:*...
, 1976–1998 - 35 Sakari LindforsSakari LindforsSakari Lindfors is a retired professional ice hockey player who played in the SM-liiga. He played for HIFK. He was inducted into the Finnish Hockey Hall of Fame in 2005.-External links:*...
, 1985–2002