South Esk is buzzing with hockey fever once again, and it’s not just because the Scotsmen are making a push for the Tiger Cup. It’s because a familiar face—one who etched his name into franchise lore—has returned home.
When news broke that the South Esk Scotsmen had traded for goaltender Joonas Korpisalo, fans erupted with joy. Korpisalo, who backstopped the Scotsmen to their first-ever ODBHL Cup in Season 3, is already proving that lightning can indeed strike twice. Acquired for a third-round draft pick after Yaroslav Askarov’s potentially season-ending injury, Korpisalo has wasted no time making an impact. Since rejoining the Scotsmen, he’s posted three wins and just one loss, bringing poise and confidence back to the crease.
At the home opener following the trade, fans at South Esk Arena chanted his name during warmups, waving banners that read “Korpi is Back!” and “Bring Us Another Cup!” The energy in the building was palpable, reminiscent of those legendary playoff nights nearly a decade ago.
Former team captain Alex Ovechkin, who played in front of Korpisalo during that Season 3 run, couldn’t contain his excitement:
“It’s like stepping back in time. He’s the same competitor, the same calming presence. The boys feed off his energy, and the fans do too. It feels like we’ve got a piece of our history back.”
Korpisalo, meanwhile, has embraced the welcome with his trademark quiet humility. “It’s special,” he said after his first win back in Scotsmen colors. “South Esk has always felt like home to me. To get another chance to play here, and to help this group chase a championship again, it means a lot.”
Beyond his stellar play, Korpisalo brings something invaluable: experience. After lifting a second Cup in Season 8 with the Moncton Melons, his career has come full circle. Fans remember his clutch saves, his steady demeanor, and his uncanny ability to rise to the occasion when the games matter most.
For a team sitting near the top of the standings and eyeing another Tiger Cup run, the return of Korpisalo couldn’t have come at a better time. South Esk hasn’t forgotten what he did for them—and with the playoffs looming, the city dares to believe he might do it all again.
The pub chatter across town says it best: “With Korpi back, anything is possible.”
8/16/2025 - 377 words
