Ilves-Jokerit at Nokia Arena Could Draw Record Liiga Crowd

Gates open unusually early at 15:30 for Saturday's Ilves-Jokerit game; the pregame show starts at 16:00 and puck drop is at 17:00.

Both teams come off Friday fixtures. Ilves fell 3–1 in Hämeenlinna in their Friday match in Hämeenlinna, Benjamin Korhonen opening the scoring on the power play before HPK rallied late. Jokerit beat Ässät 4–2 in Pori, with goals from Antti Kalapudas and Patrik Virta.

The clubs met a week ago in Helsinki, where Ilves won 3–0 thanks to Topias Hynninen, Tony Sundin and Luke Henman. Goaltender Mantas Armalis made 16 saves for his fourth shutout of the season Ilves' 3–0 win in Helsinki last weekend.

Luke Henman will wear the gold helmet; he sits second in the league points race with 7+9=16, one behind HIFK’s Daniel Mäkiaho (9+8=17). The Tampere club is second in the standings with 26 points and one game in hand, two points behind Ässät. Jokerit sit 16th with 10 points from 14 games.

There is extra spice to the fixture. Jokerit's roster includes several former Ilves players: Aleksi Elorinne, Miro Nalli, Aleksi Mustonen and Eetu Tuulola, who together played 533 games and scored 165 points for Ilves. Jiri Veistola adds another 150 games and 28 points.

Season-ticket holders receive travel benefits on Tampere region public transport and discounts on arena food and drink. Ilves+ will broadcast a pregame show with expert Tommi Välimaa and commentator Mikko Aaltonen starting at 16:00.