Happee overwhelmed by Classic

Happee visited Classic in Tampere last Wednesday The leading team in the finnish league showed their stuff and outplayed Happee completely. The moose were mere bystanders in the game.

The game started cautiously with both teams having long spells of ball possession. Neither team had many dangerous chances in the first period but the home team still managed to score two goals. First Sami Johansson scored on power play in mid period and just before the end of the opening period Lassi Vänttinen scored from a counter attack. He placed the ball accurately in the far corner and Classic lead 2-0 after the first period.

Happee started the second period with some new found energy. Happee got a few dangerous scoring chances in the first half of the period. Poor finishing and some outstanding saves from Classic-keeper Lassi Toriseva kept the home team’s goal untouched. Classic decided the match with six goals in the end of the second period. The goals came after interceptions and slow reaction to losing the ball.

Happee got some comfort from two goals scored by Veli-Matti Hynynen in the third but Classic also scored twice and the game ended 10-2 for the home team.

The best players of the game came from the home team. Lassi Vänttinen and Aaro Helin with two goals and an assist each. Krister Savonen scored one and assisted two goals. Veli-Matti Hynynen scored two for the away team.

Defender Eemil Ukkonen Wondered about the poor performance.

- This was not what we had planned.. Sure, we had some chances but the opponent had a bunch and they used them well. All in all, we were behind the hole game, Ukkonen summarized.

Head coach Mikko Lehto thought that Happee left their ammunition in the barrell:

- We made a poor performance tonight. We were afraid of the opponent in the opening period. The second period started a bit better but we couldn’t really challenge the opponent. Our defense collapsed in the second period and the third was pure cosmetics. I know we can do a lot better but on the other hand, this shows our weak points which we have to improve, Lehto finishes.

Happee can’t worry about the loss very long because their next game is already on sunday away against Steelers and on Tuesday Happee hosts SB Welhot in a game celebrating the 100 years old independent Finland.

Highlights