The 1981–82 SM-liiga season was the seventh season of the SM-liiga, the premier professional ice hockey league in Finland. The season featured ten participating clubs and ran from September 1981 through April 1982.
Regular season
During the regular season each team played a balanced schedule of games against the other nine clubs. Points were awarded according to the standard system of the era (two points for a win, one point for a tie, and zero points for a loss). At the conclusion of the regular‑season schedule the teams were ranked based on total points, with goal difference used as a tiebreaker when necessary.
Playoffs
The top four teams from the regular‑season standings qualified for the playoff tournament. The semifinals were contested as best‑of‑five series, followed by a best‑of‑five championship final. A third‑place series was also held.
Championship outcome
Tappara won the SM‑liiga championship for the 1981–82 season. The team secured the title by prevailing in the final series against Jokerit. This victory marked Tappara’s second Finnish championship in the SM‑liiga era.
Statistical leaders
- Top point scorer – The player who recorded the most points (goals + assists) over the course of the regular season was Jari Kurri, who amassed 68 points (30 goals, 38 assists).
- Leading goal scorer – Jari Kurri also led the league in goals scored.
- Best goaltender – The goaltender with the lowest goals‑against average (GAA) among qualified net‑minders was Hannu Kamppuri of Tappara.
Relegation
No teams were relegated at the end of the 1981–82 season, as the SM‑liiga maintained its ten‑team composition for the subsequent campaign.
Legacy
The 1981–82 season is remembered for Tappara’s strong defensive play and the emergence of future NHL talent, most notably Jari Kurri, who would go on to achieve considerable success in North America. The season also contributed to the growing popularity of ice hockey in Finland, solidifying the SM‑liiga’s status as a leading European league.
