After the management of HIFK Helsinki noticed him after he posted 38 points in 35 games as a youth with PiTa helensiki against adult competition, Sinisalo signed with them and began playing in the SM-Liiga in 1977. After a first season spent warming up the bench and taking care of fourth line duties, as is the tradition in Finland for youths entering the senior squad, Sinisalo was given the opportunity to prove his worth by playing on the offensive lines. He didn't disappoint, scoring 16 times and racking up 25 points in 1979-80, helping HIFK clinch the League Champion title; the following season, he scored 27 times in 36 games. His skills being impossible to miss, Sinisalo was approached by several NHL teams, including most notably the Hartford Whalers and Philadelphia Flyers. Sinisalo ch