Finland wants Antti Pennanen to remain national team coach after golden season

A year ago, Antti Pennanen’s position as Finland’s head coach faced intense scrutiny, including from some of the country’s NHL stars. Then came an Olympic bronze medal and a world championship title, giving him a powerful answer on the ice.

Pennanen is now beginning his third season behind the national team bench, but his contract expires at the end of the campaign. The Finnish Ice Hockey Association has started talks about keeping the coach who led the team to its latest gold medal.

“We discussed the matter with the board, and we are seeking continuity,” association chief executive Sami Kauhanen said. He added that talks with Pennanen about a possible extension began early in the summer and will continue in the autumn.

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We discussed the matter with the board, and we are seeking continuity.

Asked whether Pennanen himself wanted to stay, Kauhanen said that question should be put to the coach, but added: “We are moving forward in good mutual understanding.”

Pennanen has also attracted attention with a new side business. Together with two other mental-skills specialists, he has launched online coaching focused on the psychology of winning, coping with pressure and maintaining unwavering self-confidence. Kauhanen said the association knows about the business and that Pennanen’s contract allows such activities.

Jere Lehtinen will continue as the national team’s general manager this season. It will be his 13th consecutive season in charge, with his contract renewed one year at a time. Unlike the previous two seasons, Finland will have only one major tournament this season, the world championships in Germany. The 2027-28 season will bring the NHL-player World Cup, scheduled for February 2028 in Prague, Calgary and Edmonton.

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We are moving forward in good mutual understanding.