Classic from Tampere set a new F-liiga record with their sixth consecutive men’s title. They are now the only club with such a record, having previously shared the record with SSV who reigned from 2007 to 2011.
This year, Classic beat Nokian KrP with four victories to two, winning the last one 6-4 away at Nokia Ice Hall. In the decisive game, Nokian KrP had a 4-2 lead in the second period but then fell victim of fatal penalties. A violent crash between KrP’s Tomas Estovirta and Classic’s Tuukka Salo left both down dizzy for a while with their heads attended and Estovirta with a five-minute penalty that led to Sami Johansson’s power play goal. After missing a penalty shot late in the second, Johansson set Albert Koskinen up for another power play goal in the final minute. In the final period, Mikko Leikkanen scored an early winner with Ville Lastikka then scoring an empty-netter in the end.
Another F-liiga record was noted by Classic defender Juha Kivilehto who ended his playing career with his 10th Finnish title tying up another legend Mikael Järvi for the record. Next season, Kivilehto is set to take over as head coach for Classic.
Photos by Esa Takalo
