IS: A new team is on offer in the league – “We would definitely be involved”

The traditional Mestis club RoKi has registered to aim for a spot in the possibly reformed Liiga.

The chairman of RoKi Hockey Oy, Pertti Heikkilä, announces that the Rovaniemi club is willing to play at Finland’s highest league level in the future.

– If reforms are achieved, of course we aim to play at that highest league level in the future, Heikkilä stated to Ilta-Sanomat.

The shareholders’ meeting of the Finnish Ice Hockey League is set to decide on new league models on Thursday. There are practically two options: 14+10 and 12+10.

One scenario raised for the transition to new systems would be the so-called super league, which would include all teams that meet the league’s licensing requirements. After this, the top 12 or 14 teams of the season would remain in the A-league.

In Rovaniemi, they are ready to take on the challenge.

– We would definitely participate in the super league. Absolutely, Heikkilä says.

According to Heikkilä, RoKi will meet all the requirements needed for the A-level.

– With minor adjustments, we can meet them, there is no problem at all. We are ready at the moment when everything needs to be ready, Heikkilä states.

The Lappi Arena in Rovaniemi currently accommodates 3,700 spectators. However, the audience capacity for the next season will be increased to 4,000 with the help of a standing area.

According to Heikkilä, the league should have direct promotion and relegation in the future for the A+B league arrangement to be considered a viable solution.

– The A+B league under the umbrella of the league would be the best arrangement both competitively and financially. And it would include direct promotion and relegation. Now we need to make sports decisions that will bring the excitement back to Finnish ice hockey, Heikkilä explains.

At least in Rovaniemi, the potential of the hockey club is recognized.

– We really have the desire and the opportunity to be a strong player on the Finnish hockey map. Now and especially in the future, RoKi board member and former player Juho Joona continues.

However, a possible transition to the A-league would not happen for RoKi for years.

– We have to be realistic. Our place would still be in the B-league today. In about five years, we could be in the A-league. And we would definitely manage there, Joona envisions.

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