Do clearance sales annoy you? Now speaking are the league coaches: "It's definitely wrong"

One of the hottest topics at the end of the league’s regular season was the fire sales. Vaasan Sport and Mikkelin Jukurit sold all their players that could be sold and fielded their A-juniors, often unable to assemble even four forward lines.

Fire sales also bring inequality to the schedule. For example, this season it was a completely different matter to face Vaasan Sport in September than in March. In September, points had to be fought for seriously, while in March they came wrapped in gift paper. For instance, Kiekko-Espoo faced Sport twice and Jukurit once in the last rounds of the regular season.

SuomiKiekko interviewed the league’s head coaches at a media event about the fire sales and asked for their thoughts on the impact of fire sales on the schedule.

– It has always been a crappy situation. This has been the case for years, and it is no surprise to anyone. There is always luck involved in how the schedule has formed, commented Pelicans’ head coach Sami Kapanen.

Kapanen also points out that the schedule works in the opposite direction as well. For example, the regular season winner may initially seem like a tough opponent in the final rounds, but when the team has nothing to play for anymore, the opponent can be easier than those teams still battling for playoff spots.

JYP’s head coach Petri Matikainen is more critical regarding fire sales.

– When it comes to sports, it is quite unfair. A few points can make a big difference. If we had also gotten two more points from somewhere, we would be in the top four. It is indeed unfair to start selling and emptying the roster, Matikainen says, noting that he does not feel that JYP’s situation has suffered.

Jyrki Aho‘s Kiekko-Espoo faced Sport and Jukurit in the last two matches of the regular season.

– Mentally, they are really tough games. In the first game, we managed to start the game the right way. In the second, we may not have succeeded as well, Aho assesses.

Does K-Espoo suffer from the fact that the team has been playing meaningless games while other teams have faced tough opponents?

– I don’t know if it’s beneficial or if it’s a disadvantage. Now different games are starting.

Sami Rajaniemi saved Kiekko-Espoo to a 7-0 victory over Sport. He recorded eight saves in the match. Photo: All Over Press

Can success be postponed?

The idea behind fire sales is a rational thought that by giving up now, resources can be shifted to the future and succeed next season. Matikainen is skeptical that the recipe works in practice. You can’t just move from struggling to success.

– I have to say that it is indeed difficult. Experience is there at the bottom, and it always leaves a scar. No matter what kind of experience it is, it always leaves a mark. It is hard to understand the idea that you take 20 losses and next year you will be really good. That can happen, of course, Matikainen reflects.

– Of course, I understand the economic realities, but this is competitive sports.

Matikainen has personal experience in this matter. He moved to JYP this season, which had gone through a difficult period for years.

– The aftermath of invincibility is still visible. That culture is so easy to lose, but hard to get back.

Kapanen, on the other hand, believes that the team and organization can turn difficulties into victories even in a short time.

– If you can’t believe that, then you are the wrong person in the wrong place. You have to be able to believe it. Within the organization, it is easier, but for fans and partners, the situation is different, which may take more time, Kapanen sees.

– Sometimes you have to make decisions from bad options and choose the best possible one. I don’t believe that we have seen everything yet. As a former owner, I will give a word of warning about what this will be like in three or five years. We will live through very colorful years.

Kapanen sees that teams dropping to the B-league will face new challenges.

– There will certainly have to be significant adjustments regarding who ends up from the league side. There will be organizations that will work tirelessly to reach the A-league. Will patience be enough, will there be enough perseverance to build step by step, or will they seek something with an all-or-nothing mentality? Now the patience, long-term commitment, and stress tolerance of organizations will be tested in the coming years in both A and B leagues.