JYP Jyväskylä reports €1.4 million loss amidst struggles in Finnish Ice Hockey League

JYP Jyväskylä has struggled to make a mark in the Finnish Ice Hockey League in the 2020s, failing to reach the top ten. Last season, the team celebrated its centenary but ended up in 13th place in the league. Last week, the club announced its financial results for the year, reporting a loss of €1.4 million. In a radio interview on Monday, JYP’s chairman, Jukka Seppänen, acknowledged the difficulties of the past season, stating, “It didn’t go smoothly.”

He noted that struggles are part of the drama in sports, with each season bringing its own challenges. Seppänen emphasized that the organization has taken a hard look in the mirror, accepting the disappointment of the spring and focusing on building a better future over the past six months. The club’s new strategy includes increased commitment to responsibility programs, better communication with fans, and fostering a stronger identification with the entire Central Finland region.

Seppänen admitted that criticism and dissatisfaction regarding last season were valid, highlighting the community’s strong connection and concern for JYP’s well-being.

The league this season features 16 teams with significant budget disparities. Oulun Kärpät operates on a €35 million budget, while Kuopion Kalpa has €9 million and Lappeenrannan SaiPa has €5 million. JYP’s budget is stagnant at €7 million. Seppänen attributed some of the club’s challenges to over-reliance on the delayed Hippost project, a proposed €200 million sports complex in Jyväskylä.

The new season kicks off with an exciting schedule for JYP, as they face last season’s top teams in their first four matches, aiming to make their home arena, Hippos, a difficult venue for visiting teams. Seppänen is confident in the potential of their young players and hopes for strong fan support.