Leaving his home country Finland and voiding his contract with KalPa, Kapanen will become part of HC Lugano for the next two seasons. There was speculation on this subject for quite some time, as Greg Ireland, Lugano's head coach for the last three seasons, was not expected to have his deal extended.
Kapanen was with KalPa's coaching staff since 2016 and became head coach in 2017. He also was the club's owner since 2003 and the General Manager in 2010-11 and chairman from 2015. As a player, he started his career with KalPa and retired with them as well. In between, he - among other things - was in North America for twelve seasons, making over 900 NHL games.
"We are very happy to have brought Sami Kapanen to Lugano. He is a coach with a strong personality and a big passion for our sport", HC Lugano's vice-president Andy Näser comments the signing.
The new coach himself mentions that he is happy to become part of a club which is known for its passionate fans and an active management. He sees it as a great honor to become head coach of one of the best European clubs.
( 02 April 2019 | esi )
