Mikko Manner’s first match as HPK’s head coach ended in a loss in the game for the winning goal as a guest of TPS.
Mikko Mannerin the first match as HPK’s head coach turned out to be quite a rollercoaster. TPS finally beat HPK 6–5 after the winning goal contest. HPK goalkeeper Sami Rajaniemi played his 600th league game.
The management position changed several times. TPS Max Lindroth did a hat trick. In the third set, HPK Olli Korhonen scored two hits and HPK took the lead a couple of times. However, Lindroth equalized the evening with his third goal and the decision finally shifted to the winning goal competition.
The only successful one was TPS Viljami Marjalawho elegantly flicked the puck past Rajaniemi.
Manner was satisfied with his team’s performance.
– Great fight from us. A lot of emotion in the game, everyone. That usually happens when the coach has changed, Manner said.
– Five goals scored, because it usually wins the game, but we weren’t mature enough yet. Three minutes before the end, the best player of the evening was given the chance to make a hat trick. All in all, however, a promising performance from the team.
It is now important for HPK that the honeymoon with the new coach will not be short-lived.
– Coaches and experienced players must take care of the level of requirements. You have to always come to your full potential and accept the mistakes that come in the game. The public must feel that they are getting value for their money.
HPK got out of the jumbo spot past the Pelicans. The people from Hämeenlinna have a total of three points.
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