HIFK honors Micke-Max Åsten during match against Lukko

HIFK prepared to host Lukko at the Nordis arena, an event that included a special tribute to club icon Micke-Max Åsten following his decision to retire. Åsten, who played 14 seasons and over 500 regular-season games for the club, was honored before the match.

The game also marked the Nordis debut of defender Jesper Ahlroth, who is returning to play after recovering from an injury sustained during last season's finals. Tim Juel was named to start in goal for HIFK.