The Lahti Pelicans, a Finnish ice hockey team, are nearing a contract extension with their head coach, Sami Kapanen, as reports indicate that the team has offered him a new agreement and is currently waiting for his response. Kapanen, a veteran of the NHL, has been at the helm for the Pelicans for two seasons after being hired last year, taking over from Juhamatti Yli-Junnila.

In his expansive career, Kapanen has an impressive history, having played 831 regular-season games in the NHL and coaching teams including KalPa in Kuopio and the Swiss club Lugano, as well as serving as a development coach and scout for the Philadelphia Flyers in Europe. Since joining the Pelicans, he has continued to work to elevate the team’s standing in the league, despite the challenges faced during his tenure.

The Pelicans are set to play against Sport, currently placed at the bottom of the league, in their home arena later this week. This game presents an opportunity for Kapanen and the Pelicans to secure a vital victory as they look forward to future competitions, potentially under his continued leadership, should the contract extension materialize soon.