Anni Keisala’s previous season in Sweden was really poor. The Finn is looking for a new boost in his career from HPK.
Joel Holma,
Simo Leinonen
Ice hockey goalie Anni Keisala has been undeniably one of the best in Finland in recent years. Keisala has saved the Women’s Lions as the number one goalkeeper and has been one of a kind Noora Rädyn heir to the mantle.
Even the best players have weaker moments. In Keisala, the whole previous season went wrong in Sweden in HV71.
The statistics reveal a barren situation.
Keisala, 27, saved 14 matches last season as the second goalkeeper and the team lost in all of them.
While in the past Keisala’s save percentage has been in the 91-94 range, last season the Finnish goalkeeper’s save percentage hovered at a modest 84. He allowed an average of 4.65 goals per match.
– If you drag out the whole season without wins, you start to miss the feeling of winning. Winning is the salt of the sport, Keisala tells Urheilu.
The HV71 remained in the nip in the nip in the series. Keisala doesn’t explain in vain when asked about a bad season.
– My goal was to be the number one goalkeeper. Didn’t get that role. There was room for improvement.
Through HV71, the captain also shadowed Sanni Hakala serious injury.
Now Keisala has returned to the domestic ice hockey league Auroraliiga. Keisala will wear HPK’s shirt this season. From Hämeenlinna, Keisala is looking for a new boost in her career.
How did Keisala, previously known in the series for example from Ilves, end up at HPK?
HPK head coach Jari Risku says that a common interest was found between the player and the club. The background of Risku and Keisala helped in that.
– We have a good history with Ann from Kuortane since high school. He has visited us in the mornings for a few springs. This summer, things led to the fact that both had a desire to serve each other. Let’s say it was a perfect match, says Risku.
“We are fighting for the championship”
Playing in Finnish rinks is different than in Sweden. In Sweden, female players get paid for playing. In Finland you have to pay for it.
– After all, it’s more professional when you get paid. Some of the players went to work, but the majority could focus only on hockey. Yes, that kind of thing raises the series level.
Keisala considers it possible that he will return to the Swedish league one day.
Now the focus is on this season.
Kiekko-Espoo is considered the favorite for the championship, but HPK has been tipped to fight for the top spot. Expectations are raised by Keisala playing between the posts.
The opening weekend of the season went well, when HPK took victories over RoK and Kuortanee.
The last time HPK won medals was in the spring of 2016, when the team won silver.
The difficult last season seems to be over. Based on her comments, Keisala seems to have regained her confidence.
– We have a tough team and we are fighting for the championship. I hope we raise the jug in the spring.
Are you the best goalkeeper in the league?
– Of course, there is a pursuit.
Keisala also wants to return as the first goalkeeper of the Women’s Lions. Sanni Ahola took away Keisala’s first goalkeeper position last season.
– I am satisfied after the season if I have received a medal both in the domestic league and in the World Championships, Keisala concludes.
HPK’s season continues on Saturday at 1:20 p.m. with a match against Turku Palloseura. The teams meet again on Sunday at 3 p.m.