HIFK played their first exhibition game, at home, for the season. The venue was the underground "practice rink" which hosts some 750 spectators. Needless to say a capacity crowd had turned up so the new faces on the team. To their dissappointment most veterans didn´t play, however.
The lines included virtually all the kids (and less experienced) on the roster. The result was apparently not the main goal of the evening and that showed.
At times Brynäs totally outplayed especially the defence. HIFK fielded Rafalski, Rajala, Kultanen, From, Siren, Jokela and Nikko. Under pressure in their own defensive zone the lack of coordination and cooperation was imminent.
Offensively the kids were speedy, but physically light and therefore it´s no surprise that the only line that created pressure offensively was J.Ruutu-Kuhta-Caloun.
Hadn´t it been for the several penalties, mostly by J.Ruutu, in the third period the night would have served its purpose. The newly elected captain, to put it frankly, put up a lot for the crowd to enjoy in the physical field, but eventually with his stupid penalties destroyed all chances of winning the game.
The goalie situation ? Bäckström was in goal, mostly he was ordinary, but in the third he did a pair of brilliant saves. I´m not convinced that he´ll do the trick when the league starts, but let´s give him and Lundell a chance !
The crowd "loved" to see the old HIFK-players especially Bisset who scored twice and Kivelä, they were constantly cheered by the fans.
Stars:
#1 Jan Caloun
#2 Kimmo Kuhta
#3 Toni Sihvonen