The contract of Antti Pennanen, who is starting his third season as the head coach of the Lions, is set to expire at the end of the upcoming season. The Ice Hockey Association is keen to keep Pennanen on board in the future.

The CEO of the Ice Hockey Association, Sami Kauhanen, tells Ilta-Sanomat that a contract extension is currently being drafted for Pennanen.

– We had a discussion with the board about this, and we are looking for continuity. Discussions about a possible extension with Pennanen were initiated as early as the beginning of summer. The conversation will continue now in the fall, Kauhanen says to IS.

Kauhanen adds that the matter has been advanced in good mutual understanding.

Pennanen, 47, had a rocky first season with the Lions, as the results in the 4 Nations and World Championships were poor. In contrast, last season was a tremendous success, as he led the Lions to Olympic bronze and later to the world championship.

Kauhanen also confirms that Jere Lehtinen will continue in the role of GM for the Lions. Lehtinen’s continuation is done one year at a time, and he is already facing his 13th consecutive season as the leader of the national team.

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