Janne Hietaniemi, the assistant coach of SaiPa, is currently in Milan representing the Italian national ice hockey team at the Olympics. Despite recently renewing his contract with SaiPa to remain through the 2026–27 season, he emphasizes there are no formal agreements that prevent him from participating in these international events. His dual role highlights the complexities faced by coaches in balancing club responsibilities with international commitments.

Hietaniemi's involvement with the Italian team underlines the intertwining of national and club interests, especially as he works alongside Jukka Jalonen, another Finnish coach. Hietaniemi reflects on his ongoing participation with Team Italy, mentioning how past scheduling conflicts have prevented him from fully engaging in international tournaments. His experience points to the broader dynamics of professional ice hockey, where coaches must navigate the demands of both their clubs and national teams while also making career choices based on prevailing situations.

As the hockey season progresses, Hietaniemi's situation may serve as a reference for other coaches facing similar challenges. The commitment to both the SM-liiga and the Olympics speaks to the increasing globalization of hockey, where national team obligations can intersect with league play. Observers will watch how Hietaniemi balances these roles amidst the competitive landscape of ice hockey, especially with the ever-evolving scheduling and international tournaments.