Ilves turns Nokia Arena into Halloween party for KalPa clash

The autumn season will be capped at Nokia Arena on Saturday with a Halloween-themed home game.

They arrive fresh from a dramatic local derby win over Tappara on Friday, a 2–1 shootout victory sealed by two shootout goals from Matic Török and key saves from Mantas Armalis. Jaakko Lantta scored in regulation. The penalty kill held firm through a nearly two-minute 5–3 shorthanded sequence and survived a five-minute penalty to Lantta as well as a late two-minute minor to Tony Sund, extending the streak to ten consecutive games without conceding a power-play goal. KalPa beat the Jokers 4–1 at home on Friday, with goals from Teemu Hartikainen, Cade Borchardt, Joona Saarelainen and Jesper Piitulainen; Konsta Kapanen supplied two assists.

Heading into the weekend, the hosts sit third in the standings with 34 points from 19 games, while KalPa are 11th with 25 points from 17 matches. Luke Henman wears the golden helmet and has 22 points this season (11+11), and Konsta Kapanen leads KalPa with 12 (5+7). Defender Jarkko Parikka could reach the list of the 200 most-played players in Liiga if selected for the lineup.

Fans can tune in to the match broadcast from 16:00. The arena will offer Halloween-themed entertainment, a costume contest with Ilves Aitio tickets as the prize, an Ilves Aftergame in the lobby and an 18-plus club afterparty featuring live band Hölöween and DJ Juissi. Season-ticket holders receive game-day travel on Tampere regional public transport (Nyssen), Maltti Taproom happy hour perks and a €2 food-and-drink discount at most arena concession points.