Pyry U20 vs Tappara U20 — Match Details | Betmana

Full Time

Tappara U20

1–0

0–2

3–0

Pyry U20 scored three times in the third period to overturn a 2-1 deficit and beat Tappara U20 4-2 in a pre-season friendly at Kattokeskus Areena, Nokia.

Match Analysis

AI Summary

How It Unfolded

The opening period was a cautious affair, with both sides feeling each other out. Pyry broke through at 13:35 when Tuukka Mäntymäki (3) finished with a backhand lift past Tappara goaltender Juha Riekki, assisted by Tomi-Pekka Kaihua (1).

Tappara responded in the second period. At 25:30, Max Melicherik (1) equalised on the power play, with Lennart Louvanto (1) and Joel Huhtamaa (1) drawing assists. The visitors then took the lead at 38:23 when Joona Karvonen (1) converted on a breakaway, Louvanto collecting his second assist of the night.

Pyry turned the game around in a decisive third period. Tuukka Mäntymäki struck again at 45:19, this time on the power play, to make it 2-2 — assists from Jesse Rantanen (3) and Joni Virolainen (4). Just 3:35 later, at 48:54, Tuukka Hietamäki (2) fired what proved the game-winner, set up by Sever Bilgili (3) and Veeti Hietaniemi (2).

Tappara pulled goaltender Juha Riekki with 1:56 remaining, but Paavo Karjalainen (1) sealed it into the empty net at 58:27 with help from Roni Lehtosaari (2). A scuffle at 59:15 produced four roughing minors but no further damage.

The Turning Point

The game swung in a 3:35 window early in the third period. After trailing 2-1 through 40 minutes, Pyry scored twice in rapid succession — Mäntymäki's power-play equaliser at 45:19 and Hietamäki's go-ahead goal at 48:54. Tappara had controlled the second period but could not stem the tide as Pyry's forecheck pressure forced penalties and broke down the visitors' defensive structure.

Key Performers

Tuukka Mäntymäki (Pyry U20) – Two goals (3rd and 4th of the pre-season), including the equaliser that sparked the comeback. His backhand finish in the first period and power-play strike in the third showcased his finishing range.
Tuukka Hietamäki (Pyry U20) – Scored the game-winning goal at 48:54, the decisive moment that put Pyry ahead to stay.
Aatu Myllykangas (Pyry U20) – Made 26 saves (4+7+15), including 15 in the third period alone to preserve the lead.
Lennart Louvanto (Tappara U20) – Two primary assists, involved in both Tappara goals; was also assessed a holding minor late in the third.

Player of the Match: Tuukka Mäntymäki (Pyry U20)

By the Numbers

Goaltending told the story: Pyry's Aatu Myllykangas stopped 26 of 28 shots faced, while Tappara's Juha Riekki made 20 saves on 23 shots plus one empty-net goal. Pyry's shot volume increased markedly through the game — Myllykangas faced just 4 in the first period, 7 in the second, and 15 in the third — reflecting Tappara's push that ultimately came up short. Pyry went 2-for-3 on the power play, while Tappara converted 1 of 4 opportunities with the man advantage.

What It Means

Pyry U20 have now won three consecutive pre-season friendlies after dropping their opener to Kiekko-Vantaa on 18 August (5-2). They beat K-Vantaa 6-3 on 20 August and TUTO Hockey 5-2 on 26 August before this win. Tappara U20, meanwhile, suffered their sixth straight pre-season defeat, having lost 5-1 to Jokerit U20 the previous day.

Pyry continue their pre-season schedule at home against KeuPa HT on 3 September at Kattokeskus Areena. Tappara U20 face TPS U20 on 4 September. The U20 SM-sarja regular season begins later in September.

Verdict

A tale of two periods: Tappara controlled the middle frame and led deservedly, but Pyry's third-period response was emphatic. Mäntymäki's brace and Myllykangas's 26 saves underpinned a comeback that showcased Pyry's depth ahead of the Mestis season.

Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

API data: 28 Aug 2026