Tag: Pelicans

Tappara reshuffle lines as three miss Pelicans game

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Tappara will take a substantially altered line-up into Saturday’s Liiga meeting with Pelicans after Aapeli Räsänen, Vilho Vanhatalo and Olle Strandell were ruled out. Räsänen and Vanhatalo both left Tappara’s previous game before its conclusion, while Strandell also drops out of the squad.

Head coach Fredrik Norrena has responded by remaking every forward line. Julius Mattila moves into the first-line centre role previously occupied by Räsänen, flanked by Benjamin Rautiainen and Michael Lindqvist. Christian Heljanko takes over in goal, with Juha Metsola serving as the back-up.

Key Facts

  • Aapeli Räsänen, Vilho Vanhatalo and Olle Strandell are absent from Tappara’s line-up for Saturday’s Liiga game against Pelicans.
  • Räsänen and Vilho Vanhatalo both left Tappara’s previous game before it ended.
  • Aapeli Räsänen had been playing as Tappara’s first-line centre.
  • Joachim Blichfeld was already unavailable to Tappara before the latest changes.
  • William Wiå, Emil Järventie and Markus Niemeläinen have been added to Tappara’s line-up.
  • Julius Mattila centres Benjamin Rautiainen and Michael Lindqvist on Tappara’s first line.
  • Kasper Simontaival joins Henrik Haapala and Oliver Suvanto on the second line.
  • William Wiå plays on the left wing of a third line with Dylan Fabre and Tomi Sallinen.
  • Markus Niemeläinen forms Tappara’s third defensive pairing with Joni Tuulola.
  • Christian Heljanko starts in goal, while Juha Metsola is named as the back-up.

IHM Discussion

The absence of Räsänen removes Tappara’s established first-line centre and creates the biggest change in Norrena’s reshuffle. Mattila and Lindqvist were on the second line in the previous game, but are now reunited at the top of the order with Rautiainen.

The changes extend through the entire attack rather than being limited to one replacement. Simontaival moves from the first line to the second, where he is joined by Haapala and Suvanto after their previous third-line roles. Wiå enters on the third line, while Järventie is listed as the 13th forward. On defence, Niemeläinen steps in alongside Tuulola, and Heljanko replaces Metsola between the pipes.

Why It Matters

Tappara’s adjustments affect its centre depth, wing combinations, defensive pairings and goaltending in one game. Mattila’s move to the middle of the first line is the clearest change, while the revised order gives Norrena a new set of forward trios to use against Pelicans.

The selection also brings three players into the match-day group while Blichfeld remains unavailable. That leaves Tappara with a line-up carrying several changes from the previous outing.

Mini Q&A

Who replaces Aapeli Räsänen at first-line centre for Tappara?

Julius Mattila moves into the first-line centre role, with Benjamin Rautiainen and Michael Lindqvist on his wings.

Which players enter Tappara’s line-up against Pelicans?

Forwards William Wiå and Emil Järventie, plus defenceman Markus Niemeläinen, have been brought into the squad.

What Comes Next

Tappara are scheduled to face Pelicans on Saturday with Mattila at first-line centre and Heljanko in goal.

Pelicans CEO details scale of financial repair

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Pelicans chief executive Juuso Pulliainen has set out the scale of the financial problems he encountered after taking up the role in April, saying two tables were covered with thick piles of largely unopened debt-collection letters.

The Lahti club has sustained heavy losses over a prolonged period, although Pulliainen believes its direction is improving under new leadership. He said the owners capitalised the company during the summer to address a culture in which the organisation owed money in many directions.

Pulliainen had previously worked as Pelicans’ partnership manager before becoming chief executive. His earlier hockey-business experience included work as a player agent and consulting roles with Swedish clubs on team-building, hockey operations, sales and marketing.

Pelicans are still working through their financial position, but Pulliainen said the debt-collection letters no longer cover the office tables. The club’s immediate objective is to stabilise its finances during the current year and improve a weak credit rating sufficiently to become a possible borrower for financial institutions.

Key Facts

  • Juuso Pulliainen became Pelicans’ chief executive in April after previously serving as the club’s partnership manager.
  • Pulliainen said Pelicans’ owners capitalised the company during the summer as the club addressed outstanding debts.
  • Pelicans’ turnover rose from €7 million to €12 million in a few years while office staffing did not grow and instead declined.
  • Pulliainen said a review of hockey-side spending has cut more than €300,000 in costs.
  • All rink advertising was sold at the start of the season, while almost all shirt-advertising space was also sold.
  • Pulliainen said corporate sales are at the level of Pelicans’ best years, or slightly ahead of it.
  • Pelicans’ corporate sales were €600,000 to €800,000 below the previous year after the club played a relegation series against Jokerit in spring 2025.
  • Pulliainen said Pelicans would make a loss if the club does not reach the play-offs.

IHM Discussion

The account from Pulliainen puts structure around a difficult picture rather than presenting a completed recovery. The central problem was not simply a shortage of revenue. He described an organisation whose administration had failed to keep pace with rapid growth, allowing unpaid matters and basic financial processes to accumulate.

That distinction matters. A rise in turnover from €7 million to €12 million can make a business appear stronger from the outside, but the benefit is limited if the supporting office structure contracts rather than develops. Pulliainen said Pelicans have gone through costs in detail, including purchases, suppliers and contract terms, while maintaining necessary spending.

There are signs of commercial improvement. The early sale of rink advertising and nearly all shirt inventory, coupled with corporate sales at or above the club’s strongest previous level, gives Pelicans more revenue momentum than they had last autumn. Yet Pulliainen’s description of living hand to mouth and seeking a better credit rating underlines that commercial progress has not removed the need for close control.

Why It Matters

Financial stability reaches every part of a Liiga organisation, from paying suppliers and maintaining services to planning the club’s hockey operation with confidence. Pelicans’ stated savings of more than €300,000 on hockey-side activity show that office decisions can have a meaningful impact without automatically signalling that essential purchases have been abandoned.

Pulliainen also linked the sporting calendar directly to the business model. His assessment is that missing the play-offs would mean a loss-making result, leaving little margin for a club whose finances remain under repair. That makes the effort to develop revenue beyond hockey important, even though the restaurant business has not yet delivered the desired profitability.

Mini Q&A

What did Juuso Pulliainen find when he started as Pelicans chief executive?

Pulliainen said two tables were covered with thick piles of debt-collection letters, most of them still unopened.

How much has Pelicans saved on its hockey-side costs?

Pulliainen said the detailed spending review has removed more than €300,000 in costs from the hockey operation.

Why are the play-offs financially important to Pelicans?

Pulliainen said Pelicans would post a loss-making result if the club does not reach the play-offs.

What Comes Next

Pulliainen said Pelicans expect to understand their starting point for rebuilding once the accounts have been completed. The club is also pursuing financial stabilisation during the current year and aims to improve its credit rating so it can become a viable lending prospect for financial institutions.

IHM Final View

Pelicans have not presented their work as a quick fix. Pulliainen’s remarks describe an organisation tackling inherited administrative and debt problems while trying to turn stronger advertising and corporate sales into a more stable base. The next meaningful measure will be whether the financial review and completed accounts give the club a sustainable position from which to operate.

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.

Onni Käyhkö joins BIK Karlskoga after Pelicans exit

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Onni Käyhkö has left Pelicans after the club and the defenceman agreed to terminate his contract by mutual consent. The 192cm Finnish defenceman has subsequently joined BIK Karlskoga, who compete in Sweden’s second tier, for the remainder of the 2026-27 season.

Käyhkö is the third Pelicans player to have his contract ended within a month. Defenceman Samuel Huzevka and forward Lukas Zetterberg departed the club in September.

A Pelicans youth product, Käyhkö played four league matches this season without registering a point. BIK Karlskoga have said they hope to have him available for this weekend’s fixtures.

Key Facts

  • Pelicans and defenceman Onni Käyhkö ended his contract by mutual agreement.
  • Käyhkö is the third Pelicans player to have his contract ended within a month.
  • Samuel Huzevka and Lukas Zetterberg left Pelicans in September.
  • Käyhkö played four league matches for Pelicans this season and recorded no points.
  • BIK Karlskoga have confirmed Käyhkö’s signing for the 2026-27 season.
  • Käyhkö made 40 regular-season appearances last season, producing four goals and one assist.
  • He joined Pelicans’ senior league team during the 2022-23 season.

IHM Discussion

The move gives Käyhkö an immediate route into a new environment after a brief start to the season in Lahti. His four appearances without a point came after a much larger role last term, when he featured in 40 regular-season games.

BIK Karlskoga sporting director Torsten Yngveson described Käyhkö as a big, robust two-way defenceman with good skating and a good first pass. That assessment identifies the qualities Karlskoga expect him to bring, while the club’s hope of having him ready for the weekend underlines the short-term focus following the signing.

Why It Matters

For Pelicans, Käyhkö’s departure is another personnel change in a short period. For Karlskoga, the agreement adds a 192cm defenceman with recent senior league experience and a full season of regular-season hockey behind him.

The transfer also places Käyhkö in Sweden’s second tier for the remainder of 2026-27, with Karlskoga seeking to integrate him quickly if he is ready to play.

Mini Q&A

Why did Onni Käyhkö leave Pelicans?

Pelicans and Käyhkö agreed to terminate his contract by mutual consent.

How long is Käyhkö’s contract with BIK Karlskoga?

BIK Karlskoga confirmed that the agreement covers the 2026-27 season.

What did Käyhkö produce for Pelicans last season?

He played 40 regular-season matches and recorded four goals and one assist.

What Comes Next

The immediate checkpoint is BIK Karlskoga’s weekend schedule. The club has said it hopes Käyhkö will be fit to feature in those matches.

KooKoo hit ten straight losses after Pelicans defeat

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

KooKoo have matched an unwanted Liiga record after a 6-3 home defeat by Pelicans became their tenth straight loss to begin the season. The run equals the mark set by Sport at the start of the 1975-76 campaign, the only previous occasion on which a Liiga side had opened with ten consecutive defeats.

The loss also sharpened attention on head coach Jouko Myrrä. KooKoo were unable to score during 11 minutes on the power play against Pelicans, who scored a shorthanded goal and converted twice on their own power play. KooKoo’s next opponent is second-placed Jukurit.

Key Facts

  • KooKoo lost 6-3 to Pelicans for their tenth consecutive defeat at the start of the Liiga season.
  • The losing streak matches the Liiga opening-season record set by Sport in 1975-76.
  • KooKoo had 11 minutes of power-play time against Pelicans but did not score.
  • Pelicans scored one shorthanded goal and added two power-play goals.
  • Jouko Myrrä is KooKoo’s head coach.
  • KooKoo are due to face second-placed Jukurit next.

IHM Discussion

The immediate concern is not only the length of KooKoo’s losing streak but the range of problems exposed against Pelicans. A power play given 11 minutes without a goal failed to provide a route back into the game, while Pelicans found success both shorthanded and with the extra skater.

The game also raised defensive issues at five-on-five. KooKoo repeatedly allowed free breakaways and struggled to protect the area in front of their own net. That combination leaves little margin for error: a team needs either special teams or reliable defensive structure to absorb difficult stretches, and KooKoo did not get enough from either against Pelicans.

Myrrä’s position is consequently under pressure after ten losses. KooKoo’s existing identity is based on fast, direct north-south hockey, but the current results have prompted questions over whether that approach can be coached more effectively or whether the club would need to alter its style.

Why It Matters

Ten straight defeats place KooKoo alongside a record that had stood since Sport’s 1975-76 start. More importantly, the Pelicans result contained concrete warning signs beyond the scoreline: KooKoo were beaten on special teams and could not consistently manage dangerous defensive situations at even strength.

With Jukurit next, KooKoo face another demanding test against a side sitting second in the league table. The fixture offers an immediate checkpoint after the Pelicans loss, without changing the central reality that KooKoo’s opening run has reached a historic low.

Mini Q&A

How many games has KooKoo lost in a row?

KooKoo have lost their first ten Liiga games of the season.

What record have KooKoo matched?

They have matched Sport’s ten-game losing start from the 1975-76 Liiga season.

What happened on the power play against Pelicans?

KooKoo had 11 minutes of power-play time without scoring, while Pelicans scored twice on the power play and once shorthanded.

Coach Mark Comment

KooKoo’s clearest coaching priority is to restore basic game control before seeking a broader identity change. Eleven scoreless minutes on the power play, combined with a shorthanded goal conceded, point to a need for cleaner puck management and safer decisions when attacking. At five-on-five, reducing breakaways and improving protection around the net must be equally urgent. A fast, direct style can create pressure, but it requires disciplined coverage behind the puck when possession is lost.

What Comes Next

KooKoo’s next scheduled opponent is Jukurit, who are second in the Liiga table. The game is the next opportunity to assess whether KooKoo can halt the ten-game opening skid.

IHM Final View

KooKoo’s loss to Pelicans was not simply another defeat in a poor start. It brought the club level with a 51-year-old Liiga record and underlined problems on both special teams and in defensive play. Myrrä remains at the centre of the scrutiny as KooKoo move on to Jukurit.

Jukurit keep rolling with 3-1 victory over Pelicans

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Jukurit extended their winning run to five matches by defeating Pelicans 3-1 at home. Markus Nutivaara opened the scoring for Pelicans, but Jukurit replied through Alex Lintuniemi, who made it 2-1 about ten minutes from time, and Elias Koponen, who sealed the result with an empty-net strike. The hosts rose to the top of the Liiga following the victory. Pelicans goaltender Jussi Olkinuora kept Jukurit at bay in the first period, while Pelicans did not convert a five-minute power play that followed Justin Addamon’s penalty for a hit to the head. Attendance was 3,892.

Key Facts

  • Final score: Jukurit 3-1 Pelicans.
  • Jukurit recorded their fifth consecutive win after two earlier defeats in the season.
  • Jukurit moved to first place in the Liiga following the victory.
  • Markus Nutivaara scored the opening goal for Pelicans.
  • Jussi Olkinuora was the Pelicans goaltender who denied Jukurit in the first period.
  • Justin Addamon received a penalty for a hit to the head, and Pelicans did not convert the resulting five-minute power play.
  • Alex Lintuniemi scored Jukurit’s second goal approximately ten minutes before the end of the game.
  • Elias Koponen scored into an empty net to make the final score.
  • Connor Ford led Jukurit’s on-ice celebrations as captain.
  • Sami Kapanen called a timeout during the contest.
  • Reported attendance for the game was 3,892 spectators.

IHM Discussion

Jukurit’s fifth straight win extends a sustained run of form after two earlier defeats and moves the team to the top of the Liiga. Pelicans goaltender Jussi Olkinuora kept the hosts at bay in the opening period, but Jukurit found the decisive moments later on. Alex Lintuniemi’s goal around ten minutes from time put Pelicans under pressure, before Elias Koponen’s empty-net finish removed any late doubt. Pelicans had started the season strongly but did not convert a lengthy power-play opportunity following Justin Addamon’s penalty for a hit to the head.

Why It Matters

The result shifts immediate table dynamics: Jukurit’s five-game winning streak and ascension to first place underline their momentum at this stage of the campaign. For Pelicans, failing to capitalise on a five-minute power play and surrendering goals late in the contest make this a missed chance to consolidate an already encouraging start to the season.

Mini Q&A

What was the final score and which teams played?

Jukurit defeated Pelicans 3-1.

Who scored the opening goal?

Markus Nutivaara scored the opening goal for Pelicans.

Which Jukurit players scored?

Alex Lintuniemi scored the go-ahead goal and Elias Koponen added an empty-netter.

Was there a notable penalty or power play?

Justin Addamon received a penalty for a hit to the head, and Pelicans failed to convert the subsequent five-minute power play.

How many people attended the game?

The reported attendance was 3,892.

Coach Mark Comment

The five-minute penalty kill was a key moment. Jukurit’s ability to come through that sequence without conceding gave them the platform to manage the closing stages, while Lintuniemi’s late goal forced Pelicans to chase the game and created the conditions for Koponen’s empty-net finish.

IHM Final View

A fifth straight victory underlines Jukurit’s current momentum and leaves them leading the Liiga. For Pelicans, the unconverted extended power play and late goals conceded are the clear takeaways from a game that swung Jukurit’s way in the closing stages.

Joona Kumpula unbowed after Pelicans’ first loss

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Pelicans suffered their first defeat of the season against Tappara, but winger Joona Kumpula continued his strong start by scoring in the match to draw Pelicans level in the third period. Kumpula, a Jokerit youth product, has four points in four games and has now scored in back-to-back fixtures. Pelicans sit with three wins from four games and will travel to Mikkeli to face Jukurit next.

Key Facts

  • Joona Kumpula scored for Pelicans in their loss to Tappara, bringing the game to 2-2 in the third period.
  • Kumpula is described as a Jokerit youth product.
  • Kumpula has collected four points in four Liiga games to start the season.
  • Kumpula scored in consecutive matches; his previous goal came against KalPa and was his first of the season.
  • Pelicans suffered their first defeat after a strong start to the season; the club has three wins from four games.
  • Pelicans struggled early against Tappara, with Kumpula saying they were badly outplayed in the opening stages.
  • The team improved as the match progressed, but their power play failed to function effectively in the Tappara game.
  • Pelicans were unable to relieve Tappara’s first or second wave of pressure consistently during the match.
  • Pelicans’ third line created several good chances in the third period, but Tappara goaltender Christian Heljanko denied them.
  • Pelicans will travel to Mikkeli to play Jukurit in their next fixture, scheduled for Friday.

IHM Discussion

Joona Kumpula’s early-season form offers Pelicans an attacking spark. Four points in as many games and goals in successive outings point to a productive start for the winger, giving the side another scoring threat when games tighten up.

The defeat to Tappara highlighted two areas for Pelicans to address. Kumpula was unhappy with the opening stages, while the power play lacked composure and puck control. Pelicans struggled to play through Tappara’s first and second layers of pressure, making it difficult to settle the game when they needed to.

Why It Matters

Pelicans’ 3-1 start shows the club is a genuine early positive in Liiga, but the Tappara defeat is an early reminder that margins are fine at this level. Kumpula’s production mitigates some concern: reliable secondary scoring shortens the list of problems to solve. If Pelicans can convert their created chances and tidy up power-play composure, their current form should be sustainable. Conversely, repeated poor starts and ineffective handling of pressure will make points harder to come by against top teams.

Mini Q&A

Did Joona Kumpula score in the Tappara game?

Yes. Joona Kumpula scored in the match against Tappara, bringing Pelicans level at 2-2 in the third period.

How productive has Kumpula been to start the season?

Kumpula has four points in four Liiga games and has scored in consecutive matches.

What was Pelicans’ record after the Tappara loss?

Pelicans had three wins from four games following the defeat to Tappara.

What were the main problems Pelicans faced in the Tappara match?

Pelicans started poorly, struggled to calm and control the puck, and their power play produced careless solutions without the required calmness.

Who do Pelicans play next?

Pelicans travel to Mikkeli to play Jukurit on Friday.

Coach Mark Comment

Kumpula’s scoring start gives Pelicans a useful attacking lift. The coaching priority is to pair that confidence with cleaner team habits: calmer exits under pressure, more patient power-play decisions and a sharper opening shift.

What Comes Next

Pelicans travel to Mikkeli to face Jukurit on Friday; the team intends to carry forward the improved play from the late stages of the Tappara match rather than dwell on the defeat.

IHM Final View

Joona Kumpula’s productive start is a clear positive for Pelicans. The Tappara loss exposed areas needing attention – starts, puck management and power-play composure – but Pelicans showed improvement as the game went on. If they make targeted corrections while Kumpula continues to contribute, the early-season promise remains intact.

Pelicans terminate contract with Samuel Húževka

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Pelicans have announced the mutual termination of the contract of 20-year-old Slovak defenceman Samuel Húževka. The club said the decision was taken by mutual agreement. Húževka has not played this season. He spent two seasons within the Pelicans organisation and made his Liiga debut last season, appearing in six regular-season games with one goal. In junior competition, he played 34 U20 SM-sarja regular-season games (4+5) and four playoff games (0+1).

Key Facts

  • Pelicans announced they have terminated the contract of Samuel Húževka by mutual agreement.
  • Samuel Húževka is a 20-year-old Slovak defenceman.
  • Húževka has not played at all this season for Pelicans.
  • He spent two seasons inside the Pelicans organisation.
  • Húževka made his Liiga debut last season, playing six regular-season games and recording 1+0.
  • In U20 SM-sarja action last season he played 34 regular-season games (4+5) and four playoff games (0+1).

IHM Discussion

The club’s brief notice closes Húževka’s spell with Pelicans after two seasons in the organisation. His pathway included six Liiga appearances last season, in which he scored one goal, alongside a fuller role at U20 level, where he registered nine points in 34 regular-season games and added one assist in four playoff matches. He did not play this season. The mutual termination brings his time with Pelicans to an end.

Why It Matters

For Pelicans, the departure removes a young defenceman from the organisation. For Húževka, it ends a two-season spell with Pelicans that included a brief Liiga debut and more substantial junior action.

Pelicans fought summer cash crisis but owners stepped in

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Pelicans acknowledged serious summer financial problems that left the club close to bankruptcy and required outside funding to stay afloat. CEO Juuso Pulliainen said the owners have since injected capital and provided loans, while the club works on improving profitability. Juhani Jasu, acting executive director of the Players’ Association, raised concerns after some players’ fund payments were delayed in July and called for clearer communication. Pulliainen said the delays involved one or two players who submitted changed fund instructions late, with payments made one to two days afterwards. Pelicans have also stopped using invoice financing, which Pulliainen described as too expensive. He said the club’s position is now much more stable, with no immediate threat as the Liiga season gets under way.

Key Facts

  • Pelicans admitted to serious financial difficulties this summer and said they needed external money to survive: ” We needed a little outside money this summer just to survive this,” CEO Juuso Pulliainen said.
  • Owners have injected capital and made loans to the club to stabilise the situation; Pulliainen described a ”financial correction” under way.
  • Pelicans used invoice-financing during the summer but have ceased that practice, calling it too expensive for the club.
  • Pulliainen said July and August had been especially difficult because inflows were limited; he described the current situation as ”much more stable” and not an immediate danger.
  • The Players’ Association acting director Juhani Jasu confirmed worries over delayed payments: in July some players’ payments to their funds were late.
  • Jasu began as acting executive director of the Players’ Association at the end of July; he urged clubs to inform players quickly and honestly when difficulties occur.
  • Pulliainen said the July delay concerned one or two players who changed their fund instructions late, causing a 1-2 day payment delay.
  • Pulliainen accepted organisational responsibility generally but maintained that the specific fund-payment delays were caused by players’ late notifications.
  • Pelicans have been criticised publicly over the summer; Pulliainen said public discussion had exaggerated the situation and that the club’s debt was relatively small versus many Liiga clubs.
  • Two separate controversies added pressure: a naming dispute over the club’s Satama Rock Lahti event and offensive social-media remarks by first-choice goalie Patrik Bartošák.
  • Pulliainen said the club cannot be held responsible for an employee’s private opinions while reiterating that such remarks are not the club’s position.
  • The Liiga ”super season” – in which three lowest-ranked Liiga clubs will be relegated – increases competitive and financial pressure on clubs, a factor Pulliainen acknowledged.

IHM Discussion

Pelicans’ willingness to discuss its summer liquidity problems publicly is significant. Pulliainen acknowledged that the club needed outside money to get through the summer, while also outlining owner funding, loans and a move away from expensive invoice financing. Jasu’s concern centred on communication with players after delayed fund payments in July. Pulliainen disputed that the club’s cash position was the cause of those particular delays, saying they followed late notifications from one or two players.

Why It Matters

Pelicans enter a high-stakes Liiga season while attempting to turn short-term funding into a sustainable financial recovery. The source of income becomes particularly important after a difficult summer with limited cash coming in. Pulliainen has identified profitability, operational efficiency and reduced reliance on costly financing as priorities. Jasu’s call for faster, more open communication also matters: players need clarity when payments or fund contributions are affected. On the ice, the pressure is heightened by a season in which the bottom three Liiga teams will be relegated to B-liiga.

Mini Q&A

Did Pelicans really come close to bankruptcy this summer?

Yes. Pelicans’ CEO Juuso Pulliainen acknowledged the club was in a ”tight situation” this summer and said they needed ”a little outside money” to survive.

Who provided the extra money?

Pelicans’ owners injected capital and lent the club money to stabilise its finances, according to CEO Juuso Pulliainen.

Were player salaries unpaid?

The Players’ Association’s acting executive director Juhani Jasu confirmed concerns: in July some players’ payments to their funds were late. Pulliainen says the delays were due to late notifications from one or two players and were paid 1-2 days late.

Was the club using expensive financing to cover shortfalls?

Yes. Pulliainen said the club had relied on invoice-financing over the summer but has since stopped using it because it is too costly.

Did other controversies make the financial problems worse?

Pulliainen said the naming dispute over the Satama Rock Lahti event and offensive social-media comments by goaltender Patrik Bartošák created additional headaches during an already difficult summer.

Is the club out of danger now?

Pulliainen said the position is now much more stable following owner support and operational adjustments, and that there is no immediate threat. He expects cash flow to improve as the season progresses.

Coach Mark Comment

Financial uncertainty can test a dressing room even when the on-ice work remains unchanged. The coaching staff’s job is to keep preparation clear, routines consistent and players focused on controllable details. Straight communication from across the organisation is vital, because uncertainty away from the rink can quickly become a distraction within it.

IHM Final View

Pelicans say they have moved from a serious summer cash squeeze to a more stable short-term position through owner funding, loans and operational changes. The club still faces the harder task of building a sustainable model around profitability and more efficient operations. With the Liiga season under way, Pelicans will aim to turn that financial correction into stability on and off the ice.