Sami Kapas has a strong opinion on the coaching market in the League.
The coaching market in the league is in an exceptional situation.
11 coaches have contracts that expire at the end of the current season, and two have options for the next season. Only KooKoo’s Jouko Myrrä, Lukko’s Tomi Lämssä, Sport’s Lauri Mikkola, and Tappara’s Kari Jalonen will continue their contracts into the next season.
The so-called super season of the league also adds its own spice to the coaching roulette, as the last three teams will drop to the B-league in the spring.
In an interview with SuomiKiekko, Pelicans’ head coach Sami Kapanen shared his views on the coaching market in the league.
– I think this will be slower than before. I have been away from the market for quite a while, so I don’t know for sure, but I have a feeling that there have been discussions at the end of October or during the national team break in November, and some have locked in coaches. I don’t know if the situation is the same now, Kapanen reflects.
Kapanen estimates that the selection of head coaches may take longer than usual. Clubs want to clarify what next season will look like, and head coaches may not want to sign with a team that might drop to the B-league next season. Kapanen believes that coaches may make contracts that are only valid if the team plays in the A-league.
Kapanen’s own contract is also up for renewal. There is still no certainty about the future.
– I have the desire to continue coaching and to be one of those league coaches who stay. I am in no hurry to leave Lahti. I have grown fond of Lahti, and it has been good to be here with my wife and dog, Kapanen says.
– Changing is not always better. I haven’t decided that I want to leave here. When the time comes to start thinking about next season, the first thing will be to discuss with this organization.
Kapanen notes that he may not be a name that comes to mind elsewhere when a new head coach is sought. He has now coached Pelicans for a year and a half, preceded by nearly three years as a development coach and scout for the Philadelphia Flyers. Before that, Kapanen has head coaching experience from KalPa for two seasons and from Lugano in the Swiss top league.
– Whether there is interest elsewhere is a big mystery to me, Kapanen says.
The Pelicans, coached by Kapanen, have started their season strongly. Out of six matches, they have achieved three victories. Even in three losses, the Lahti team has managed to create a higher expected goal count than their opponents, but poor finishing has been the team’s biggest weakness.
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