Ilves

Lore & Background

Ilves was founded in the spring of 1931 and played its first game the next winter against Tampereen Palloilijat. In the late 1930s, it won three Finnish championship titles as the first Tampere-based hockey team. After World War II, Ilves started playing home games at the Koulukatu ice rink and had another championship spree from 1945 to 1947, staying undefeated for over four years (though playing only 36 games). In 1954, Ilves was relegated to the second level for the only time, returning after one year. The current logo was designed by Rauno Broms in 1963. In 1965, Ilves moved with Tappara and KooVee to the new Hakametsä arena, where they played until 2021. The last Finnish Cup competition was held in 1971; Ilves won and has been the reigning champion since. In 1972, it won its 15th championship. During the late 1970s, Ilves went through lean times, and after KooVee was relegated in 1979–80, the clubs signed a cooperation agreement, bringing players like Risto Jalo to Ilves. In 1985, Ilves claimed its 16th and most recent championship, with key players including Risto Jalo, Raimo Helminen, Mikko Mäkelä, Ville Siren, and Jukka Tammi. Four players left for the NHL the following summer. In the late 1980s, coached by Sakari Pietilä, Ilves finished first in the regular season in 1988 but lost in the first playoff round; they won bronze in 1989 and reached the finals in 1990, losing to TPS. For most of the 1990s, the club struggled financially and with ownership issues; the low point was finishing last in 1995, forcing a relegation fight against SaPKo and SaiPa. Ilves avoided relegation and reached the semifinals in 1997 and finals in 1998. The 2000s were mediocre, with a bronze in 2001, early playoff exits in six of the next seven seasons, and missing playoffs in 2003. They avoided relegation in 2010, 2012, and 2013.

Reader's Guide

Ilves is the second most decorated club in Finnish Liiga history, with sixteen championships, the most recent in 1985. The club's colors—green, yellow, and black—derive from the former coat of arms of Tampere. Ilves has a notable history of resilience: it was relegated only once (1954) and returned immediately; it survived a financial and performance crisis in the mid-1990s by avoiding relegation after finishing last in 1995. The club's rivalry with Tappara is a defining feature of Tampere hockey. Ilves also holds the distinction of being the last winner of the Finnish Cup in 1971, remaining the reigning champion. The organization is the largest sports club in Finland, fielding teams in futsal (five Finnish championships), floorball, ringette, and numerous junior teams. Honored members include Jarmo Wasama, Aarne Honkavaara, Risto Jalo, Lasse Oksanen, Jorma Peltonen, Marianne Ihalainen, Jukka Tammi, and Raimo Helminen. Number 24 is not officially retired but is unused, last worn by Veikko Suominen, who died during the 1978–79 season.

Did You Know?

• Ilves is Finnish for 'Lynx'.
• Ilves won three Finnish championships in the late 1930s as the first Tampere-based hockey team to do so.
• Ilves has been the reigning Finnish Cup champion since winning the last competition in 1971.