Joonas Donskoi got a surprise position – joins the coaching staff of the Young Lions
The coaching team of the under-20 national team for the 2026-27 season is now clear.
Earlier this year, it was revealed that the new head coach of the Young Lions is Ville Mäntymaa. Joining his coaching team as assistant coaches are Olli Hällfors and Miikka Järvenpää.
The video coach for the Young Lions is Marko Ojanen. The goaltending coach continues to be Kari Lehtonen.
A new role has also been added to the coaching team, which will be filled by former NHL player Joonas Donskoi. He will start as the development and skills coach for the Young Lions.
– I am excited about this team. In addition to strong coaching skills and experience, we share a great passion for coaching and Finnish ice hockey. We all want to help young athletes reach their potential and succeed as a team on the international stage, Mäntymaa describes in the Finnish Ice Hockey Association’s press release.
– Donskoi is an important support for the U20 players playing in North America. He is a significant addition to the holistic approach to coaching and the current demands in skill and individual coaching, Mäntymaa explains.
The Young Lions will head to their first tournament under the new coaching staff this week starting Wednesday, April 15. Finland will face Sweden, Slovakia, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic in the tournament held in Kungsbacka.
Coaching Staff of the Young Lions
Head Coach: Ville Mäntymaa
Assistant Coaches: Olli Hällfors and Miikka Järvenpää
Video Coach: Marko Ojanen
Goaltending Coach: Kari Lehtonen
Player Development and Skills Coach: Joonas Donskoi
Team of the Young Lions
Goaltenders:
Kerkola Patrik, KalPa Kuopio
Rossi Jester, Kärpät Oulu
Defenders:
Ervasti Alvar, JYP Jyväskylä
Kapanen Ilari, Timrå IF SWE
Laine Luca, TPS Turku
Ruotsalainen Veeti, Kärpät Oulu
Saari Julius, Erie Otters OHL
Sippola Ossi, HIFK Helsinki
Svensk Vertti, SaiPa Lappeeranta
Tukio Ossi, Ilves Tampere
Forwards:
Baggström Rasmus, Jukurit Mikkeli
Katavisto Aapo, Kiekko-Espoo
Keltinkangas Onni, JYP Jyväskylä
Kouhia Lauri, Jokerit Helsinki
Kuisma Juho, Tappara Tampere
Kämäräinen Rasmus, Ässät Pori
Melanen Jalmari, Ilves Tampere
Mensonen Jasu, Halifax Mooseheads QMJHL
Pärssinen Jesse, TPS Turku
Sinivuori Eelis, JYP Jyväskylä
Somervuori Jere, HIFK Helsinki
Vanninen Aapo, Örebro HK SWE
Virtanen Jeremi, TPS Turku
Westergård Max, Frölunda HC SWE
Match Schedule of the Young Lions
Wed 15.4. at 16:00 Finland – Czech Republic
Thu 16.4. at 16:00 Switzerland – Finland
Fri 17.4. at 20:00 Finland – Slovakia
Sat 18.4. at 19:00 Sweden – Finland
LUE MYÖS:
Read more
- The league club secured its foreign reinforcement: “An important part of our team”
- Jokerit dropped big contract news – confirmed with three new players!
- Cold ride for Young Lions
- Patrik Laine: goal!
- In Florida: Patrik Laine is playing!
- Jokerit hints at a major announcement – fans believe the mystery has already been solved
- Surprising appointment – Juhani Jasu received a significant position
- JYP player trades – a man with over 200 SHL games caught!
- Such a huge contract is anticipated for Columbus’s young superstar.
- A striking tournament start from the Young Lions – USA was left behind