The league has appointed Antti Boman, who has had a long career as a referee, as the head of referee coaching. In his new role, the league’s record referee will focus particularly on coaching new referees and supporting their development.

Boman concluded his extensive refereeing career last season, but will now continue to work in the league’s referee organization in a new role.

– This feels like a good continuation. There will certainly be a lot to learn in the new job, but I am looking forward to it, Boman says in a statement.

Boman officiated a total of 1,073 league games during his career, which is a record in the history of the league for referees.

Ice hockey will remain a strong part of his life in the future, even though constant traveling will be left behind.

– Ice hockey has been such a big part of my life that it is great to continue working in that field. At the same time, it is nice not to have to drive around Finland constantly.

Boman was voted the best referee in the league by players for nine consecutive years. He won the Golden Whistle award in each of those seasons.

Before his refereeing career, Boman played in the league. As a player, he represented teams such as Ässät and Tappara.

The league also announced another change in its referee organization. Jari Levonen, who has worked as a referee and later in referee coaching for a long time, will transition to work more broadly in the league’s situation room, where match video reviews are handled.

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