In an unusual move, the SM-liiga's CEO Mikko Pulkkinen has decided to subject the recent Tappara versus JYP match to disciplinary scrutiny due to a series of violent incidents during the game. This decision is notable as it is uncommon for the CEO to initiate such reviews, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. The match, played on February 18, 2026, witnessed three fistfights, raising concerns over player conduct and sportsmanship in Finnish ice hockey.

In the aftermath of the game, disciplinary actions were taken against players from both teams involved in the brawls, specifically targeting Tappara's Rikard Grönborg and JYP's Petri Matikainen for inappropriate conduct. During the post-match press conference, a JYP representative suggested that the violent events were a retaliatory response to prior incidents from previous matches between the two teams. This allegation underlines a potential toxic rivalry within the league and speaks to the need for maintaining order and decorum in competitive sports.

The decision to escalate the incident to the league's disciplinary committee emphasizes the league's commitment to addressing potentially dangerous behavior within the sport, as highlighted by the CEO’s adherence to disciplinary regulations. The implication here not only affects the teams involved but also serves as a warning to all teams in the league about the consequences of unsportsmanlike conduct, ensuring that the integrity of the SM-liiga remains intact.