IFK Helsinki returns to Spengler Cup chasing first win in 29 years
IFK Helsinki is set to compete again at the Spengler Cup after their 2022 appearance. The Finnish club enters the tournament with a long winless streak—eight matches without a victory—and no trophies in the event’s history. Despite struggles abroad, the team remains a powerhouse back home, with seven league titles to their name.
This year’s squad blends experience with youth. Veteran goaltender Niko Hovinen will guard the net, while former NHL forwards Jori Lehterä and Iiro Pakarinen add offensive depth. A group of young prospects rounds out the roster, including Swiss-based reinforcements like Joshua Fahrni, brought in from SCL Tigers to strengthen the attack.
The team sits in Group Torriani alongside HC Davos and the loser of the Sparta Prague vs. Fribourg-Gottéron matchup. Their opening game will be against that same defeated side, offering a chance to break their winless run dating back to 1995. Olli Jokinen, a former NHL player and club champion, leads the team as head coach this season. Back in Finland’s Liiga, IFK Helsinki has long been a top performer, reaching the playoffs regularly. However, injuries have pushed them down to 13th place this season, a rare dip for a club accustomed to success.
IFK Helsinki’s return to the Spengler Cup marks another attempt to end their eight-game losing streak at the tournament. With a mix of seasoned players and rising talent, they aim to secure their first points in nearly three decades. The outcome could signal whether the team can regain its competitive edge on the international stage.
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