KalPa left Kouvola with all three points after holding off KooKoo for a 5-4 win in a game that swung repeatedly on goals. The teams traded early strikes, KalPa built a sizeable advantage, and KooKoo made the finish uncomfortable with two late goals. A video-review ruling went KalPa’s way along the route to the result.
How the Game Played Out
KooKoo struck first through Teemu Hartikainen, who finished a passing play after Mäenpää fed the puck from near the goal line into the slot. The broadcast described it as a well-worked combination, and Hartikainen converted to make it 1-0. Ville Meskanen then tied the score with a shot for his first goal of the season. The commentary noted that he had been an active shooter and that the breakthrough came in his fifth game.
KalPa answered through Aleksi Klemti, who put his team ahead 2-1 after Jaako Rissonen set him up. The goal carried a milestone as Klemti’s 100th Liiga goal, all of them scored in a KalPa shirt. Joona Saarelainen extended KalPa’s advantage, and Könönen followed with another goal as KooKoo’s defending came under criticism from the broadcast. KalPa had turned the early exchange into a multi-goal cushion.
A later KalPa goal prompted a video review for possible goaltender interference. The officials ruled that there was no interference and allowed the goal to stand. KooKoo kept pushing back: Roope Tossavainen scored his second goal of the game to reduce the deficit, with the broadcast placing that goal at the 35-minute mark. Santeri Sulku then scored to bring KooKoo closer, with 6:44 remaining according to the commentary. The late push made the closing stretch tense, but KalPa protected its lead. The final sequence included a KooKoo shot from Meskanen that did not go in; KalPa held on to win 5-4.
What the Result Means
For KalPa, the result means three points from a game in which it had to respond after conceding first and then withstand a determined finish. The visitors found several ways onto the scoreboard, including Klemti’s milestone goal, while the upheld review decision proved an important moment in a contest where the margin ended at one.
KooKoo showed it could answer after falling behind, with Hartikainen opening the scoring and Meskanen tying it before the late goals from Tossavainen and Sulku. But the comeback stopped short, and the five goals allowed left the home side without a point. The attendance in Kouvola was 2,771. KalPa will look to carry this winning finish into its next Liiga outing, while KooKoo will aim to shore up its defensive play.
Watch the Highlights
The Liiga highlight video captures the early exchange, KalPa’s run of goals, the review decision and KooKoo’s late attempt to close the gap. Watch the full recap above for the scoring plays and final push in Kouvola.
Final Score: KalPa 5, KooKoo 4.
Source: Liiga YouTube highlight transcript
Pre-publish audit (2026-09-29): ⛔ HELD — CRITICAL_UNVERIFIED. 0/2 claims passed. Critical claims unverified: YES. Requires human review before publication.
Pre-publish audit (2026-09-29): ⛔ HELD — CRITICAL_UNVERIFIED. 0/2 claims passed. Critical claims unverified: YES. Requires human review before publication.
Pre-publish audit (2026-09-29): ⛔ HELD — CRITICAL_UNVERIFIED. 0/2 claims passed. Critical claims unverified: YES. Requires human review before publication.
Pre-publish audit (2026-09-29): ⛔ HELD — CRITICAL_UNVERIFIED. 0/2 claims passed. Critical claims unverified: YES. Requires human review before publication.
Pre-publish audit (2026-09-29): ⛔ HELD — CRITICAL_UNVERIFIED. 0/2 claims passed. Critical claims unverified: YES. Requires human review before publication.
Pre-publish audit (2026-09-29): ⛔ HELD — CRITICAL_UNVERIFIED. 0/2 claims passed. Critical claims unverified: YES. Requires human review before publication.