Hameenlinna vs Lukko

The full-length friendly (HPK's eighth and final preseason outing) delivered end-to-end action in front of the Hämeenlinna crowd. HPK carried momentum from their Pitsiturnaus victory — where they beat Lukko 2-0 on 7 August — into the first period at Pohjantähti Areena.

First period: Roope Vesterinen opened the scoring for HPK, continuing his strong preseason after also finding the net against Lukko in the Pitsiturnaus fixture. The home side carried the play early. Viljami Jokirinne doubled the lead before the first intermission, making it 2-0.

Second period: Lukko responded after the break. Alex Beaucage — who had been Lukko's most dangerous forward throughout preseason — pulled one back, and the visitors tied the game before the period's midpoint. Brendan Ranford restored HPK's lead with his first of the night, only for Lukko to equalise again inside the period.

Third period: The final frame remained tight. Ranford struck again for HPK, his second of the game, to give the home side a 4-3 lead. Lukko pushed for an equaliser but couldn't beat HPK's goaltending.

Shootout: Ranford converted the decisive attempt, securing the 4-3 win for HPK.

HPK's ability to respond each time Lukko pulled level was the defining pattern. After Lukko erased a two-goal deficit in the second period, Ranford answered immediately both times — his first goal restored the lead after the equaliser, and his second gave HPK the advantage heading into the shootout. That resilience swung the contest.

Brendan Ranford (HPK) — Player of the Match. The Canadian forward scored twice in regulation and buried the game-winner in the shootout. Ranford, who joined HPK from Vlci Žilina for the 2026–27 season, showed finishing ability in high-leverage moments.

Roope Vesterinen (HPK) — Opened the scoring with a first-period goal. Vesterinen also scored against Lukko in the Pitsiturnaus on 7 August.

Alex Beaucage (Lukko) — The most consistent threat for the visitors, scoring at least once and driving chances throughout. Beaucage carried much of Lukko's offensive workload.

Viljami Jokirinne (HPK) — Scored HPK's second goal in the first period and was a reliable two-way presence.

HPK finish preseason with five wins, two losses and one draw across all formats (including Pitsiturnaus shortened games), and completed their full-length home schedule unbeaten (wins over Sport, Ässät and Lukko). That form makes them one of the better-prepared sides heading into the Liiga regular season.

HPK open the Liiga season on 1 September away at Jukurit (18:30 EEST), with their home opener on 8 September against Ilves.

Lukko finish preseason with one draw and five losses from six games — their only non-loss being the 1-1 draw with Ässät at the Pitsiturnaus. The 8-3 defeat to Ässät on 21 August and this 4-3 shootout loss leave questions about defensive structure. Lukko begin their Liiga campaign on 2 September against JYP at Äijänsuo Arena (18:30 EEST).