NEWS
Graz99ers sign temporary replacement for injured Lagace
An experienced Finn is signed until the November break and is intended to support Nico Wieser until then.
The Graz99ers have reacted to the temporary absence of goaltender Maxime Lagace and signed experienced Finn Henri Kiviaho.
The 32-year-old from Lappeenranta, the champion's next Champions Hockey League opponent, is initially bound to the 99ers until the November break (starting November 2) and is intended to support Nico Wieser in goal.
Lagace is out for at least five to six weeks after an adductor injury suffered in the 4-3 home overtime win against HC Bozen. A total of 14 games await Graz until early November.
Last with Slovan Bratislava
Kiviaho was drafted by the Dallas Stars in the 5th round of the 2012 NHL Draft, but the "Suomi" (Finn) did not make an NHL appearance. Instead, the 1.91-meter tall goaltender played in the Liiga (97 games), the Czech Extraliga (71 appearances), and the Swedish SHL (3 games).
The Finn spent the last one and a half years with the traditional Slovak club Slovan Bratislava. For the capital club, Kiviaho guarded the goal in 103 regular season games (save percentage 91.8 percent) and 15 playoff games (91.6).
Upon his arrival in Bratislava in October 2024, the veteran had signed a contract until the end of the 2025/26 season with an option for another season. However, a continuation of the collaboration was waived.
That's why Kiviaho was without a club until recently.
Observed multiple times, impressed every time
Sports director Philipp Pinter says: "Our goaltending coach is a big fan of Henri (Kiviaho, editor's note). I've also had him on my radar for some time, observed him multiple times in Bratislava, and he impressed me every time there. Above all, his character also fits us perfectly."
"This way, Max (Lagacé, editor's note) can fully concentrate on his recovery, and Nico (Wieser, editor's note), who will now get more ice time anyway, receives the necessary support," Pinter added.
Goalie coach Andreas Eriksson raves about Kiviaho: "A very experienced, tall, and athletic goaltender who, above all, possesses an exceptional hockey IQ. He can read a game perfectly, often being well ahead of the play."
