The Finnish ice hockey coaching scene is witnessing notable changes as the league gears up for the new season. Lauri Merikivi, currently the head coach at Tampereen Ilves, has announced he will be stepping down after this season. Merikivi has accepted the position of head coach for Finland's U16 national team, starting with the 2025–27 seasons.
"I am grateful to Ilves for the two seasons I have been involved. This season we will give our all at Ilves and with the national team," Merikivi stated, reflecting on his tenure at the club. His departure is coupled with aspirations for the development of youth hockey, focusing on the 2010-born cohort as he integrates his expertise from working with both the men's team and junior national teams.
Meanwhile, Jussi Tapola, who has built his coaching reputation with SC Bern, is preparing for changes to his staff. Next season, he will be joined by Pasi Puistola, who is transitioning from his long-standing role with Tappara, where he was part of the coaching team during their championship victories.
SC Bern's ambitions have not gone unnoticed, as local media, such as Berner Zeitung, indicates the team is positioned well for success. Tapola's collaboration with Puistola is anticipated to bolster the team’s competitive edge, as they have successfully worked together previously.
Another significant shift is the hiring of Pekka Kangasalusta at SC Rapperswil-Jona Lakers. The 47-year-old has amassed valuable international coaching experience and joins after coaching historically abroad. Notably, the Rapperswil-Jona Lakers had to make rapid changes after letting go of their previous coach, Stefan Hedlund, indicating their commitment to improvement.
The ripple effects of Finnish coaching expertise are gaining traction globally, as both Puistola and Kangasalusta take their skills to the Swiss leagues. There is increasing recognition of Finnish coaching abilities, evidenced by the continued success of Finnish coaches abroad.
Kangasalusta's move follows several recent coaching trends, emphasizing the desire for Finnish methodologies and gameplay strategies. His previous roles solidify his reputation, and both he and Puistola's appointments showcase the growing influence of Finnish coaches beyond national borders.
This week also saw SC Rapperswil-Jona Lakers bouncing back from earlier setbacks. They made headlines as they transitioned through coaching changes, displaying resilience with upcoming matches promising more competitive gameplay.
Overall, these coaching changes reflect a dynamic shift not only within Finnish ice hockey but also internationally—indicating the potential for significant contributions from Finnish coaches. With their diverse experiences and successful track records, the likes of Merikivi, Tapola, Puistola, and Kangasalusta are expected to challenge the norms and push for excellence through their respective teams.
Merikivi’s transition opens up new avenues for the development of younger players, and the impacts of Tapola and Puistola’s synergy will likely be closely monitored by both fans and pundits alike. With Swiss teams actively seeking Finnish coaching talent, the trend is set to continue, solidifying the importance of these contributions to the sport.
