Tag: Liiga

TPS leave Ruben Rafkin out of HIFK away lineup

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

TPS will dress without defenceman Ruben Rafkin for their away game against HIFK, while forward Aatos Koivu is also outside the line-up.

Rafkin, an assistant captain at TPS, played on the first defensive pair alongside Petteri Lindbohm against Tappara. For the HIFK fixture, Sisu-Petteri Lehtonen takes Rafkin’s place next to Lindbohm, while Gleason Chicoine moves up into the second pair.

The changes extend through the forward group. Bryggman, Haudum and Wernblom are the only line to remain intact from the previous set-up.

Key Facts

  • Ruben Rafkin and Aatos Koivu are outside the TPS line-up for the HIFK away game.
  • Rafkin has played 11 Liiga games this season, recording 0+2.
  • In 56 games last season, Rafkin posted 1+15=16.
  • Sisu-Petteri Lehtonen will play alongside Petteri Lindbohm after Rafkin skated with Lindbohm against Tappara.
  • Gleason Chicoine moves into the second defensive pair.
  • TPS retain only the Bryggman-Haudum-Wernblom forward line unchanged.
  • The listed forward lines are Bryggman-Haudum-Wernblom, Virtanen-Yliniemi-Ikonen, Savinainen-Paajanen-Ylitalo and Munkki-Määttä-Pikkarainen, with Kuru also listed.
  • The listed defensive pairs are Lindbohm-Lehtonen, Chicoine-Landén and Binner-Tuhkala, with Lauridsen also listed. Mäkiniemi and Ruusu are listed for TPS.

IHM Discussion

The decision removes a defenceman who had been used in the first pair in the previous game and redistributes TPS’s blue-line group. Lehtonen’s move alongside Lindbohm is the most immediate adjustment, while Chicoine’s promotion changes the shape of the second pair.

TPS have also altered three of their four forward lines. Keeping Bryggman, Haudum and Wernblom together gives the side one established combination amid otherwise extensive changes.

Why It Matters

Rafkin’s omission is notable given both his assistant-captaincy and his recent first-pair usage. His 16 points in 56 games last season underline the offensive contribution TPS received from him over a full Liiga campaign, although he has two assists through 11 appearances this term.

The HIFK game will therefore feature a revised defensive alignment and a substantially reshaped forward group, with only one forward line carried over unchanged.

Jokerit and Veini Vehviläinen seek new club

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Jokerit have agreed with goaltender Veini Vehviläinen to seek a new club outside the organisation. Vehviläinen will train independently away from the team while that search continues.

The 29-year-old made three appearances for Jokerit this season, posting an 82.8 save percentage. He stopped receiving playing time after Tomi Karhunen joined the club, with Olle Eriksson Ek also part of the goaltending group.

Key Facts

  • Jokerit and Veini Vehviläinen have agreed to look for a new club for the goaltender outside the organisation.
  • Vehviläinen will train independently away from Jokerit’s team activities during the search.
  • The 29-year-old played three games for Jokerit this season and recorded an 82.8 save percentage.
  • Vehviläinen did not receive further playing time after Tomi Karhunen arrived at Jokerit.
  • Olle Eriksson Ek is also part of Jokerit’s goaltending group.
  • Vehviläinen helped Jokerit win the Mestis title last season, recording a 92.6 save percentage in 33 regular-season games and a 91.8 save percentage in 14 play-off games.

IHM Discussion

The agreement formalises Vehviläinen’s separation from Jokerit’s active set-up without announcing a completed move. His brief run of three games this season contrasted sharply with his contribution to last season’s Mestis title-winning campaign.

For Vehviläinen, the immediate position is clear: he is preparing independently while a new opportunity is sought. Jokerit, meanwhile, have Karhunen and Eriksson Ek in their goaltending department.

Why It Matters

Goaltending changes can quickly alter a club’s day-to-day preparation, and Jokerit have now defined Vehviläinen’s status while he remains under their umbrella. The development also places a proven Mestis title-winning goaltender on the search for a fresh club after limited action this season.

SaiPa mourns death of club legend Heikki Mälkiä

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

SaiPa legend Heikki Mälkiä has died at the age of 68. The Lappeenranta club announced his death.

Born in 1958, Mälkiä was one of the most significant figures in SaiPa history as both a player and coach. The Ketterä youth product spent 15 seasons representing SaiPa as a player, appearing in 498 games and recording 208 goals and 254 assists for 462 points.

His contribution continued behind the bench after his playing career. As SaiPa head coach, Mälkiä led the team to the Liiga bronze-medal game in the 1998-99 season. The club honoured his long service by retiring his number 20 in January 2009.

Key Facts

  • Heikki Mälkiä has died at the age of 68.
  • Mälkiä was born in 1958 and was a Ketterä youth product.
  • He played 15 seasons for SaiPa, totalling 498 appearances.
  • His SaiPa scoring record was 208 goals, 254 assists and 462 points.
  • As SaiPa head coach, he led the club to the Liiga bronze-medal game in 1998-99.
  • SaiPa retired Mälkiä’s number 20 in January 2009.

IHM Discussion

Mälkiä’s standing at SaiPa is reflected in the breadth of his service to the club. His 498-game playing total and 462 points place a substantial on-ice record alongside a coaching contribution that included taking SaiPa to a Liiga bronze-medal game.

The retirement of number 20 underlined the esteem in which he was held long before this week’s news. For a club, figures who have made a meaningful impact both on the ice and as head coach become part of its sporting identity; Mälkiä’s career clearly occupied that place at SaiPa.

Why It Matters

SaiPa will mark Mälkiä’s passing with a moment of silence before its home game against HIFK on Saturday, 17 October. The tribute will provide a public recognition of a club figure whose connection with SaiPa stretched from a 15-season playing career to a notable spell as head coach.

CHL regular season ends with six decisive games

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

The 2026/27 Champions Hockey League regular season reaches its final day with six games across Finland, Denmark, Norway, Austria and Switzerland. Points remain available for clubs seeking a place in the Playoffs or a stronger position in the final standings.

SaiPa Lappeenranta host HC Pilsen in the opening fixture at 17:30 CEST. The remaining programme includes Herning Blue Fox against Fribourg-Gottéron, Storhamar Hamar versus Graz99ers, Eisbären Berlin’s trip to KAC Klagenfurt, HC Davos against Bílí Tygři Liberec, and Genève-Servette’s home game with Kölner Haie.

The final two games begin at 19:45 CEST in Switzerland, bringing the regular-season schedule to its conclusion. With positions potentially decided by more than points alone, the competition’s tie-breaking order could carry major weight once the games are complete.

Key Facts

  • Six games complete the 2026/27 Champions Hockey League regular season.
  • SaiPa Lappeenranta host HC Pilsen at 17:30 CEST.
  • Herning Blue Fox play Fribourg-Gottéron and Storhamar Hamar face Graz99ers, with both games scheduled for 19:00 CEST.
  • HC Davos meet Bílí Tygři Liberec, while Genève-Servette host Kölner Haie, at 19:45 CEST.
  • Clubs tied on points are first separated by regulation-time wins, followed by total wins, goal difference, goals scored, away points and away goals.
  • If teams remain level after those six criteria, their position in the current season’s CHL draw-pot allocation determines the higher standing. The same formula applies to the overall accumulated team record.

IHM Discussion

This is a clean final-day scenario: every club has one last regular-season opportunity to affect its own standing before the Playoffs field and ordering are settled. The schedule is spread across six venues, but the standings consequences are connected across the whole competition.

The tie-breaking sequence gives the evening an added layer beyond simply counting points. Regulation-time victories take precedence over total wins, so a club’s record in three-point games is particularly significant when teams finish level. Only after that do overtime and shootout victories enter through total wins.

Goal difference and goals scored are the next separators, followed by away-game points and away goals. Those measures mean the final table can turn on margins as well as results. The draw-pot criterion sits at the end of the process, providing a final ordering mechanism if every sporting measure listed above fails to separate clubs.

The fixture list also underlines the competition’s reach. Finland, Denmark, Norway, Austria and Switzerland all host games, while travelling sides include HC Pilsen, Fribourg-Gottéron, Graz99ers, Eisbären Berlin, Bílí Tygři Liberec and Kölner Haie. For each participant, the task is immediate: play the final regular-season game, collect what is available and then await the confirmed table.

Why It Matters

The final standings determine whether teams reach the Playoffs and, for those already in contention, whether they improve their position. The rules make clear that a level points total does not automatically mean a level finish.

For supporters, coaches and players, the relevant details extend from regulation wins to scoring margins and away records.

Mini Q&A

How many games remain in the CHL regular season?

Six games remain on the final day of the 2026/27 regular season.

Which game starts first?

SaiPa Lappeenranta versus HC Pilsen starts at 17:30 CEST.

What is the first CHL tie-breaker for clubs level on points?

The first tie-breaker is the greater number of regulation-time, or three-point, wins.

What happens if teams remain tied after six listed tie-breakers?

The higher position in the current season’s CHL draw-pot allocation decides the higher standing.

Coach Mark Comment

Final matchdays demand clarity rather than complication. Teams must understand the competition’s priorities, especially the value placed on regulation-time wins, while remaining disciplined enough not to chase a game recklessly. The structure of the tie-breakers also places value on game management: every goal can matter when goal difference and goals scored are part of the ordering process.

IHM Final View

The Champions Hockey League regular season closes with six fixtures and a clear set of criteria for settling any ties. The on-ice outcomes will decide the points totals; the tie-breakers will determine the order where those totals are not enough on their own.

Olof Glifford joins HIFK on loan from HV71

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Olof Glifford has moved from HV71 to Finnish Liiga club HIFK on loan, with the arrangement due to run until 15 November. HV71 sporting director Johan Hult said the move was designed to give the goalkeeper competitive games after a lengthy rehabilitation period.

Glifford has returned to full training following an injury suffered during the summer, but has not played for HV71 at the start of the season. HV71 retain the option to recall him should a need arise.

Key Facts

  • Olof Glifford has joined HIFK on loan from HV71 until 15 November.
  • HV71 sporting director Johan Hult said Glifford needs games following a long rehabilitation period.
  • Glifford is back in full training after rehabilitating a summer injury.
  • He has not played a match for HV71 during the opening part of the season.
  • Glifford spent most of last season on loan with IK Oskarshamn in HockeyAllsvenskan, playing 29 matches with a 90.4% save percentage.
  • He also played five SHL matches last season, recording an 87.8% save percentage.
  • HIFK already have two Swedish goalkeepers, both of whom are dealing with injury problems.

IHM Discussion

The loan gives Glifford a defined route back into competitive hockey rather than leaving him limited to training after his summer rehabilitation. Hult framed the agreement as a solution for all parties, with Glifford able to build match sharpness at HIFK while HV71 retain recall protection.

For HIFK, the arrival adds an available Swedish goalkeeper while their existing Swedish netminders are carrying injury concerns. The arrangement is time-limited, however, and its immediate purpose is clear: Glifford needs game action after missing HV71’s opening matches.

Why It Matters

Glifford’s previous loan spell with IK Oskarshamn showed he can handle a substantial workload, having appeared in 29 HockeyAllsvenskan games last season. His 90.4% save percentage there provides useful recent evidence of his form over a longer run of matches, while his five SHL appearances underline his connection to senior-level hockey.

The move places him in Liiga at a point when both his own return from injury and HIFK’s goaltending depth are relevant. For HV71, the recall clause means the club has not surrendered control of a goalkeeper returning to full fitness.

Mini Q&A

How long is Olof Glifford’s loan at HIFK?

The loan is due to run until 15 November, although HV71 can recall him if needed.

Why has Glifford left HV71 on loan?

HV71 sporting director Johan Hult said Glifford needs competitive games after a lengthy rehabilitation period.

What were Glifford’s numbers with IK Oskarshamn last season?

He played 29 HockeyAllsvenskan matches and posted a 90.4% save percentage.

What Comes Next

Glifford is scheduled to remain with HIFK until 15 November. HV71 can bring him back earlier if a need arises.

Karri Kivi flags HPK concerns despite winning run

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

HPK’s four-game winning streak has not eased Karri Kivi’s concerns about the Liiga club’s underlying play. The former coach and television analyst pointed to a stark shot imbalance, limited attacking output and a large workload for HPK’s goaltenders.

HPK have won seven of their first 12 games, but their opponents’ netminders have averaged only 14 saves per game during the current four-match run. Kivi argued that the figure reflects a shortage of scoring chances and said HPK have not moved the puck out of their own end and through the neutral zone quickly enough.

The club’s shot differential stands at minus-164, the worst figure in Liiga. By comparison, league-leading TPS sit at plus-179. Kivi also stressed that HPK have received significant help from their goaltenders, particularly Kim Saarinen, who has conceded nearly 10 fewer goals than advanced statistics would have expected.

Key Facts

  • Karri Kivi questioned HPK’s play despite the club’s four-game Liiga winning streak.
  • HPK have won seven of their opening 12 matches.
  • Opposing goaltenders have averaged only 14 saves per game during HPK’s four-match streak.
  • HPK’s shot differential is minus-164, the lowest mark in Liiga; TPS lead the league at plus-179.
  • Kim Saarinen has allowed nearly 10 fewer goals than advanced statistics would have expected, according to the figures cited.
  • HPK’s next match is away to SaiPa in Lappeenranta on Thursday.

IHM Discussion

The contrast in HPK’s early results and their shot profile is the central issue in Kivi’s assessment. A winning streak is tangible, but the figures he highlighted show a team creating relatively little shooting work for opposing goaltenders while facing the league’s largest negative shot differential.

Kivi’s comments focused on the route of HPK’s problems rather than simply the totals. He said the team have not been efficient enough in getting out of their own zone and across the neutral zone. In his view, that has limited the number of chances HPK can generate and left their own goaltenders facing too much traffic.

Saarinen’s form has provided a major counterweight in the opening part of the season. His goals-conceded figure relative to expectation underlines the value of that contribution, although Kivi cautioned that goaltending cannot be expected to carry the same burden continuously.

Why It Matters

Shot volume does not settle a game on its own, but the scale of HPK’s minus-164 differential gives context to Kivi’s concern. The team’s results have been positive, yet the available figures describe a side spending too much of the game defending and not asking enough of opposing netminders.

For HPK, the immediate importance is not to diminish a four-game run but to improve the balance Kivi identified: cleaner exits, more effective progress through the neutral zone and a reduced workload at their own net. Those areas would address the specific concerns raised in his analysis.

Mini Q&A

Why is Karri Kivi concerned about HPK despite their winning streak?

Kivi pointed to HPK’s limited attacking shot volume, league-worst minus-164 shot differential and the number of shots faced by their goaltenders.

What has Kim Saarinen contributed to HPK’s start?

Saarinen has been in excellent form and has conceded nearly 10 fewer goals than advanced statistics would have expected.

Who do HPK play next?

HPK face SaiPa away in Lappeenranta on Thursday.

What Comes Next

HPK travel to Lappeenranta to face SaiPa on Thursday. The match is the next opportunity to see whether HPK can pair their recent results with a more favourable shot profile.

IHM Final View

HPK have banked seven wins from 12 games and enter their next fixture on a four-game streak. Kivi’s assessment, however, is that the performance indicators behind those results remain a concern: too few chances created, too many shots against and substantial reliance on strong goaltending from Saarinen and the rest of the group.

Örebro and Sampo Ranta Agree Contract Termination

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Örebro have confirmed that they and Finnish forward Sampo Ranta, 26, have agreed to terminate his contract.

Ranta has been linked with HIFK, and reports over the weekend said he could leave Örebro immediately and join the Helsinki club. The termination makes him free to change teams, but HIFK have not confirmed a contract.

Henrik Löwdahl said Ranta’s early-season ice time had not met the expectations of either the club or player. Löwdahl added that the forward had acted professionally throughout the process and wished him well for the future.

Key Facts

  • Sampo Ranta, 26, and Örebro have agreed to terminate his contract.
  • Ranta has been linked with HIFK, but no HIFK deal has been confirmed.
  • Henrik Löwdahl said Ranta’s early-season playing time had not been what either party wanted.
  • Ranta was left out of Örebro’s line-up for Saturday’s game against Växjö.
  • Ranta has not played a Liiga game in his career.
  • He played 16 NHL regular-season games for the Colorado Avalanche across the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons.
  • HIFK’s next game is against TPS in Helsinki on Wednesday.

IHM Discussion

The confirmed development is the end of Ranta’s Örebro contract, rather than a completed move to HIFK. The club’s explanation centred on limited early-season ice time, while the decision gives the forward the freedom to pursue another opportunity.

For HIFK, the link is notable because Ranta would arrive without previous Liiga experience despite being a Finnish forward. That possibility remains unresolved until the club confirms whether an agreement has been reached.

Why It Matters

HIFK are described as being near the bottom of Liiga, and the club have a home game against TPS on Wednesday. Ranta’s availability following the termination may create a potential option for another club, but there is no confirmation that he will be part of HIFK’s squad for that fixture.

Mini Q&A

Has Sampo Ranta signed for HIFK?

No. Ranta’s Örebro contract has been terminated, but HIFK have not confirmed a deal.

Why did Ranta leave Örebro?

Henrik Löwdahl said Ranta’s early-season playing time had not matched the expectations of the club or the player.

Has Ranta previously played in Liiga?

No. He has not played a Liiga game in his career.

What Comes Next

The immediate checkpoint is HIFK’s Wednesday home game against TPS.

Pelicans to cut six jobs amid heavy losses

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Pelicans are set to reduce their workforce after a difficult financial year, with six employment contracts ending as part of organisational changes within the Pelicans group.

The Lahti-based Liiga club concluded its change negotiations on 5 October. It plans to remove overlapping duties and reorganise responsibilities and resources as it seeks to improve its financial position.

Chief executive Juuso Pulliainen said the club must identify and correct what is not working rather than wait for the situation to improve on its own. Pelicans are also reviewing procurement and purchased services while aiming to improve profitability through ticket sales, match events and restaurant operations.

Key Facts

  • Pelicans said six employment contracts will end following organisational changes within the Pelicans group.
  • Lahden Pelicans Oy concluded its change negotiations on 5 October.
  • The club reported a €761,341 loss for the financial year from 1 May 2025 to 30 April 2026, including €210,000 in group support received.
  • Pelicans recorded revenue of €7.1 million and an operating loss of €698,770 during that financial year.
  • The club intends to remove overlapping duties and reorganise responsibilities and resources.
  • After 10 matches, Pelicans are 12th in Liiga.

IHM Discussion

The measures are not presented as a one-off search for additional income: Pelicans have said costs and working methods must also change.

That makes the review of procurement and external services significant alongside the reduction in personnel. The club has identified ticketing, match events and restaurant operations as areas where it wants to improve profitability, while maintaining its sporting competitiveness.

No individuals or departments affected by the six departing staff members were named. The confirmed development is the reduction in employment contracts and the wider restructuring of responsibilities and resources.

Why It Matters

Pelicans are pursuing cost and operational changes while their Liiga season is already under way. The club’s stated challenge is to improve its financial footing without compromising sporting competitiveness, a balance that will shape the practical impact of the restructuring.

Mini Q&A

How many jobs are affected at Pelicans?

Pelicans said six employment contracts will end as part of organisational changes.

What financial result did Pelicans report?

The club reported a €761,341 loss for the financial year from 1 May 2025 to 30 April 2026, including €210,000 in group support received.

Where are Pelicans in Liiga?

Pelicans are 12th after 10 matches.

What Comes Next

Pelicans’ next stated fixture is at home to Vaasan Sport on Friday 16 October.

Nättinen sees Hartikainen nearing end at KalPa

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Teemu Hartikainen’s difficult start to the Liiga season has prompted a blunt assessment from former Liiga player Topi Nättinen, who believes the KalPa forward may be approaching the end of his career.

Hartikainen, 36, has been moved to KalPa’s third line and has recorded one goal and three assists in 11 Liiga appearances. In KalPa’s 1-6 defeat to HIFK on Saturday, his ice time was below 14 minutes.

Nättinen said the reduced usage was deserved on current form and argued that Hartikainen’s decline had been evident for some time. He also questioned whether the forward would receive a new contract after this season, while stressing that he could not see him playing for another club than KalPa.

Key Facts

  • Teemu Hartikainen, 36, has one goal and three assists in 11 Liiga games for KalPa this season.
  • Hartikainen played fewer than 14 minutes as KalPa lost 1-6 to HIFK on Saturday.
  • He has been used on KalPa’s third line after his responsibility was reduced.
  • Including the play-offs, Hartikainen has recorded 4+7=11 in 38 league games during 2026.
  • Hartikainen is a KalPa co-owner and his contract expires after this season.
  • Topi Nättinen said Hartikainen’s movement appeared to have deteriorated further this autumn, although he still regarded him as a capable passer.
  • KalPa have 13 points from 11 games and are close to the relegation line, according to the supplied standings context.

IHM Discussion

This is an assessment of a player’s current form rather than a confirmed retirement decision. Nättinen’s view rests on a clear set of on-ice indicators: Hartikainen’s lower-line role, reduced ice time and limited production over both the opening 11 games and the wider 2026 sample.

Hartikainen’s past strengths, according to Nättinen, have included protecting the puck and creating for team-mates. Nättinen believes those qualities are now harder for the forward to bring into games at their previous level because of the demands of the league.

The contract situation gives the discussion added significance. Hartikainen is due to be out of contract at the end of the season, but there has been no announcement that he will retire or that KalPa have made a decision on his future.

Why It Matters

KalPa’s early-season position makes the form of experienced attacking players a major issue. Nättinen said the team’s play had been ineffective and argued that Hartikainen is no longer in a position to lift the side on his own.

That is an opinion, not an established verdict on KalPa’s season. However, Hartikainen’s one goal in 11 games and his reduced role provide the factual backdrop to the scrutiny. For the player, the remaining term of his contract now carries obvious importance without determining what decision will follow.

Mini Q&A

What are Teemu Hartikainen’s Liiga statistics this season?

He has one goal and three assists in 11 Liiga games for KalPa.

Has Teemu Hartikainen announced his retirement?

No. Nättinen believes Hartikainen may be nearing the end of his career, but no retirement decision has been confirmed.

When does Hartikainen’s KalPa contract end?

His contract expires after this season.

Coach Mark Comment

A move to the third line and fewer than 14 minutes against HIFK make the immediate message straightforward: Hartikainen’s current output is not securing a larger role. The practical coaching question is whether his passing and puck-protection can still create reliable value within the minutes he is receiving.

What Comes Next

The next formal checkpoint is the expiry of Hartikainen’s KalPa contract after this season. No retirement decision or contract extension has been confirmed.

IHM Final View

Nättinen’s comments are a sharp appraisal of Hartikainen’s present level, not confirmation that his career is over. Yet with production down, ice time reduced and his contract nearing its end, Hartikainen’s situation at KalPa will remain a prominent Liiga storyline.

Petri Matikainen Reportedly Staying at JYP in 2027-28

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Petri Matikainen will reportedly continue as JYP head coach in the 2027-28 season, extending his time behind the Liiga club’s bench beyond his current contract.

Matikainen’s existing agreement is due to expire after the present season. The 59-year-old is in his second campaign coaching JYP, who have made a strong start to the autumn with seven wins from 10 matches and sit fifth in Liiga.

JYP’s position requires context: Jukurit, directly above them, have played four more games, while Kärpät have played three more. JYP are also regarded as one of Liiga’s leading championship candidates.

The next fixture is a home game against Lukko on Wednesday.

Key Facts

  • Petri Matikainen is reportedly due to remain JYP head coach for the 2027-28 season.
  • Matikainen’s current JYP contract expires after this season.
  • The 59-year-old is coaching JYP for a second season.
  • JYP have won seven of their opening 10 Liiga matches and are fifth in the standings.
  • Jukurit have played four more matches than JYP, while Kärpät have played three more.
  • Matikainen passed 600 Liiga regular-season games as a coach in early October.
  • His coaching experience also includes the KHL, Switzerland, Austria and Finland’s national-team coaching staff, with whom he won the World Championship in spring 2011.

IHM Discussion

The reported decision offers JYP continuity at a point when the club’s early results have placed it firmly in the upper portion of the Liiga table. Matikainen’s experience is substantial: his domestic regular-season milestone underlines the depth of his work in Finland, while his roles abroad and with Finland’s coaching staff broaden that background.

The immediate picture remains defined by a small number of games and an uneven schedule around JYP. Seven victories from 10 is a positive opening, but the differing number of matches played by nearby teams means the standings should be read with that context in mind. The reported plan for 2027-28 nevertheless gives a clear indication that JYP intend to retain Matikainen beyond the expiry of his present deal.

Why It Matters

For JYP, the reported continuation would preserve the coach leading a promising start to the season. It also removes uncertainty around the head-coaching position beyond the current contract, while allowing attention to remain on the Liiga campaign and Wednesday’s home meeting with Lukko.