Story Summary
HIFK have confirmed that forward Iiro Pakarinen will continue as club captain for a second season. Jori Lehterä and Sebastian Repo have been named as alternate captains, but Repo is currently on long-term sick leave. Head coach Olli Jokinen said the second alternate ‘A’ will be available to any player during Repo’s absence and could be awarded for the full period or rotated from game to game or week to week.
Key Facts
- Iiro Pakarinen continues as HIFK captain for a second season.
- Pakarinen previously served three seasons as an alternate captain.
- Jori Lehterä and Sebastian Repo are named as Pakarinen’s alternates.
- Sebastian Repo is currently on long-term sick leave.
- Head coach Olli Jokinen said the second alternate ‘A’ is available during Repo’s sick leave and can be earned by any player.
- Jokinen said the ‘A’ could be assigned for the full duration of the sick leave or rotated from game to game or week to week.
- Last season, Tony Sund acted as HIFK captain during Pakarinen’s sick leave.
- Last season’s alternates (in addition to Lehterä) were Ilari Melart, Petrus Palmu and Petr Kodýtek.
IHM Discussion
HIFK have opted for continuity by retaining Pakarinen as captain after his three seasons as an alternate captain. The club’s approach to the vacant alternate ‘A’ during Sebastian Repo’s long-term sick leave is deliberately flexible: Jokinen has opened the role to any player and indicated that it could go to one individual for the full absence or rotate between players. That flexibility follows last season’s arrangement, when Tony Sund took on the captaincy during Pakarinen’s sick leave and several players wore alternate letters.
Why It Matters
Captaincy helps shape the dressing-room voice and on-ice leadership. By retaining Pakarinen, HIFK keep an established captain while leaving room to reward other players with the alternate ‘A’ during Repo’s absence. The arrangement provides continuity without requiring a permanent replacement while Repo is unavailable.
Mini Q&A
Who will captain HIFK this season?
Iiro Pakarinen will serve as HIFK captain for a second season.
Who are Pakarinen’s named alternates?
Jori Lehterä and Sebastian Repo are listed as the alternates.
Why is there a special arrangement for the second alternate ‘A’?
Sebastian Repo is currently on long-term sick leave. Jokinen said the second ‘A’ is available to any player and could be assigned for the full absence or rotated from game to game or week to week.
How did HIFK handle captaincy during Pakarinen’s previous sick leave?
Last season Tony Sund acted as HIFK captain during Pakarinen’s sick leave; alternates then included Jori Lehterä, Ilari Melart, Petrus Palmu and Petr Kodýtek.