15-year-old Nyberg seals shootout as Ilves U20 claim first Hakametsä win

TPS opened 2–0, but Ilves rallied in the second and third periods to level the match at 4–4. Topias Hynninen, making his first appearance of the season, struck the post in overtime. The contest was decided in the shootout when 15-year-old Juho Nyberg converted on his second attempt.

After the match, the Kauppi Sports Center restaurant in Hakametsä described Nyberg as the home side’s "hungriest" player. It was Ilves U20’s first win at Hakametsä this season; they had lost the season opener at the same rink to Ässät in a 6–5 defeat earlier this week after a comeback by Ässät.

Nyberg said the locker-room atmosphere has been welcoming and that, despite his youth, he feels comfortable with his role: "On the bench, while waiting for my turn, I usually decide which move I'll try. Luckily this time the second option worked."

Ilves return to Hakametsä tomorrow for a local derby against Tappara, with puck drop at 16:00.