Ilves U20 Hold On 3–2 in Espoo Despite Short Bench

Playing with just three full lines after suspensions from Sunday's Pori game, Ilves' youngsters held on in a gritty finish to beat last spring's final opponents Kiekko‑Espoo 3–2 in Espoo on Friday. The victory came against the same opponent the team met in last season's U20 final series the U20 final last spring.

Ilves jumped to a 2–0 lead in the first period. Verneri Pesu and Aku Svenn forced a turnover that led to Rasmus Rinte's opening goal, then Joosua Nippala's interception set up Matias Myllyniemi's rebound finish.

Goalkeeper Justus Vuorinen produced another strong game between the pipes. Espoo pulled one back early in the second when Paulus Kurri's long pass freed Elias Puolanteen on a breakaway.

Late in the second Ilves extended the lead shorthanded after Niklas Savolainen created a break and Miska Liljeberg finished. Johannes Aaltonen cut the deficit to 3–2 early in the third.

They killed three penalties, blocked numerous shots, and Vuorinen made the saves that sealed the win. Ilves now returns home to Hakametsä and hosts Oulun Kärppiä next Friday, October 9, at 18:30.