MTV: This is how the Mestis team aiming for the Liiga comments on the recent decisions: "An absolute addition"

The league’s competition system is changing. On Thursday evening, it was decided that in the 2027-28 season, the league will be played in a 14+10 model, with 14 teams in the A series and ten teams in the B series. Direct promotions and relegations between the leagues are possible.

In the upcoming season (2026-27), the league will have a transition period with 17-18 teams. The reigning champion of Mestis, Jokerit, is free to apply for a Liiga license for the next season, and the same opportunity is available for this season’s champion. If Jokerit wins Mestis again this season, the team that loses in the finals will have the opportunity to apply for a Liiga license for the next season.

Joensuun Kiekko-Pojat, playing in Mestis, has previously announced its intention to aim for Liiga if it is possible by the league. Now, the pursuit of this dream is concrete in Joensuu. There will be no qualifiers this season, but success in this season’s Mestis is required in Joensuu for a place in Liiga to be possible next season.

– These matters do not change our goals in any way. Our goal is to be in the Mestis finals this season, commented JoKP’s club manager Jaakko Lipponen to MTV Urheilu.

– We are looking at the player situation calmly now. We are at the top positions in Mestis and have played fewer games than others, Lipponen continues, referring to quick economic reactions.

In Joensuu, the league’s restructuring decisions are considered successful.

– The number of teams was ultimately as expected. Direct promotions and relegations were an absolute addition to bring competition to the forefront, Lipponen says.

Lipponen also sees Jokerit’s return to Liiga as a positive thing.

– A really great thing for Finnish ice hockey and SM-liiga. We will continue our work towards our goals. Kiekko-Pojat is very satisfied with these decisions, Lipponen concludes.