Jokerit U16 started last weekend’s two games with a 6-2 win over Ilves. The first 20 minutes were very even and both teams scored two goals. However, the later on in the second period Jokerit gained a 5-2 lead with goals from Rasmus Lahnaviik (2) and Niko Kautiainen. Jokerit forward Paavo Sundell scored at 44:04 in the third period. The final scored was 6-2. Overall, Rasmus Lahnaviik and Niko Kautianen both recored five points with Lahnaviik scoring three and Kautiainen two goals. Jesper Tarkiainen also had a multi-point game for Jokerit with three assists. Despite allowing six goals, 2002 born Ilves goalie Joonas Valtonen looked solid in net and carried a heavy workload with 41 saves. 2001 born Ilves forwards Väinö Koivula and Kalle Lehtinen both had one goal and one assist. In addition, ’02 forward Roby Järventie had a solid game, showcasing good passing skills along with smooth skating.
The next game on Sunday was an entertaining one as well. Tappara U16 beat Jokerit 7-4 and it was ’02 Kasper Simontaival who once again had a big game for Tappara with four goals and two assists. Simontaival was constantly dangerous and made plenty of good plays in all three zones. ’01 Tappara goalie Riku Räihä was another stand out and made a few excellent stops among his 50 saves in the game. Tappara forward Viljami Nieminen scored a hat trick and one assist. Forward Niko Kautiainen (0-2-2) and defenseman Mico Luoto (1-1-2) picked up multi-point games for Jokerit. ’02 center Joel Määttä, who was notably strong in both games for Jokerit this weekend, scored one goal. Jokerit played well and clearly had more shots on goal (54-30), but the performances of Simontaival and Räihä were the keys for Tappara in the win.