Jussi Tapola steps aside from the Lions – an experienced name as a replacement
The coaching staff of the Lions will undergo a change for the 2026–27 season.
The coaching of the Finnish national team will include Jukka Rautakorpi, who will take the place in the coaching team led by head coach Antti Pennanen. The experienced Rautakorpi will be involved in all tournaments of the upcoming season.
Rautakorpi will replace Jussi Tapola in the coaching staff. Tapola, who was part of the Lions’ coaching team last season, will not continue in his role this season.
Otherwise, the Lions’ coaching staff will largely remain the same as before.
Mikko Manner and Ville Peltonen will continue as assistant coaches. The duo will participate in the opening tournament of the Euro Hockey Tour, the NOCCO Hockey Games, held in Finland in November. Their participation in other tournaments of the season will be agreed upon separately.
The goaltending coaching will still be handled by Aki Näykki. However, in the December EHT tournament in Switzerland, the goaltending coach duties will be taken over by the successful NHL player Pekka Rinne.
The video coaches will continue to be Samuel Tilkanen and Jukka Varmanen. In some tournaments, Kimmo Vähä-Ruohola will serve as Tilkanen’s substitute.
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