Story Summary
HC Innsbruck are considering options to fill their vacant head coach position following the departures of head coach Ryan Kinasewich and assistant coach Florian Pedevilla. Kevin Constantine is reportedly among the names under discussion.
The 67-year-old American coached the Vienna Capitals last season after taking over during the campaign. He also has previous ICEHL experience from his time behind the bench with Hungary’s Fehérvár AV19 in 2021-22 and 2022-23.
Other reported candidates include Finnish coach Jari Pasanen, while goaltending coach Ville Kolppanen could be considered for an internal promotion.
Key Facts
- HC Innsbruck are seeking a new head coach after parting ways with Ryan Kinasewich and assistant coach Florian Pedevilla.
- Kevin Constantine has reportedly emerged as a candidate for the HC Innsbruck vacancy.
- Constantine coached the Vienna Capitals last season after taking charge during the campaign.
- Constantine was head coach of Fehérvár AV19 in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons.
- Constantine has also served as head coach of the San Jose Sharks, Pittsburgh Penguins and New Jersey Devils.
- Jari Pasanen has also been linked with the Innsbruck role after recently losing his coaching job with Starbulls Rosenheim.
- HC Innsbruck goaltending coach Ville Kolppanen is reportedly another option through an internal promotion.
IHM Discussion
The reported link makes practical sense on experience alone. Constantine knows the ICEHL through both Vienna and Fehérvár, and his NHL background includes head-coaching spells with San Jose, Pittsburgh and New Jersey.
That does not make an appointment certain. Innsbruck are weighing more than one route, with Pasanen also mentioned and Kolppanen representing an internal possibility. The key fact at this stage is that the club have an open coaching post and Constantine is a reported candidate rather than a confirmed hire.
Why It Matters
A head-coaching change is a significant decision for Innsbruck because it follows the departure of both Kinasewich and Pedevilla. The choice will determine who leads the team from behind the bench.
Constantine’s past work in the league means he would not be arriving without ICEHL knowledge if the reported interest developed into an appointment. An internal elevation for Kolppanen, meanwhile, would offer a different route from appointing an outside coach.
Mini Q&A
Is Kevin Constantine the new HC Innsbruck head coach?
No appointment has been confirmed. Constantine has been reported as one of the candidates for the vacant position.
Which ICEHL teams has Constantine coached?
Constantine coached the Vienna Capitals last season and led Fehérvár AV19 in 2021-22 and 2022-23.
Who else has been linked with the Innsbruck vacancy?
Jari Pasanen and HC Innsbruck goaltending coach Ville Kolppanen have also been mentioned as possible options.
What Comes Next
The next checkpoint is an official decision by HC Innsbruck on the club’s new head coach. Constantine, Pasanen and Kolppanen have all been mentioned as possibilities, but no appointment has been confirmed.