The Jokerit, which has already applied for a league license, will hardly be the only Mestis team to enter the “super league” next season.
- Joensuu Kiekko-Pojat is already preparing for a possible promotion to the league next spring.
- Kiekko-Poikie owner-manager Jaakko Lipponen tells about the club’s completely realistic league project.
The SM League decided last week that Mestis’ reigning champion Jokerit and the future champion – or finalist if Jokerit renews their championship – can apply for a league license for the 2026-27 season.
The number of teams in the league could therefore increase to 18, but according to the general perception, it would remain “only” at 17, because, apart from the Jokers, no other Mestis club could afford to pay 2.2 million euros for a league share.
That perception is wrong.
The main owner and manager of Joensuu Kiekko-Poikie Jaakko Lipponen lyrics In the Aitiopaikalla podcast published in Karjalainen magazine on Wednesday woke up.
– 34 years is a long time since Joensuu was last played [SM-liigassa]and now it is very, very close, Lipponen said.
Renovated hall
A few other Mestis clubs are also aiming upwards, but the strongest candidate for next season’s 18th place is JoKP, which has been building its activities towards the SM league for years.
Its rise project gained momentum a year ago, when the Mehtimäki ice sports center was put into use after a complete renovation. After renovation and expansion work of around 20 million euros, the audience capacity of the completely renovated ice rink is 4,039.
The final push that the people of Joensuu hoped for, which turned their dreams into a realistic goal, was the SM league’s decision to open its doors for the next season and take a direct rise and fall to the 14+10 team series system starting from the 2027–28 season.
– If we get to the finals, it depends on whether Jokerit is in the finals, whether we need to win the finals or whether a place in the finals is already enough, Lipponen punted to Iltalehti.
Of course, even in that situation, Kiekko-Pojat would be fighting for the Mestis championship, which it last won in 2010, but a place in the final would be enough to claim promotion to the SM league.
– Yes, we will go get it, Lipponen assures, continuing his previous scenario.
Partners included
The league share also needs to be acquired by the entrant or entrants, unlike after the 14+10 system came into effect, when it is possible to enter the League with a license that pays only a fraction of the price of the share.
However, this does not make Kiekko-Poik postpone its promotion goal by a year, because the team’s promotion to the next season would not be affected by the share price – especially when it is possible to pay in installments.
– This has already been discussed with the owners, and today there have also been negotiations with the partners. We rely on the growing number of our partners, which has increased fivefold in the last four years.
– And the economic area of North Karelia is bigger than in many league locations, Lipponen happily reminds of the good reception the rising seam has received.
– The hunger is great.
The challenges of hurry
Lipponen rejoices at the end of the time of uncertainty, when the route up has finally been marked and the dreams of Mestis clubs no longer have to be mere cloud castles. Now dreams promote action.
There was still room for hope in the situation.
– It would be easier to prepare if those who could were allowed to apply for a league license right away. Everyone who is involved in the sports business understands that we would be in a hurry at that point, Lipponen refers to a possible place in the spring finals or the championship.
He highlights three points where challenges arise.
– First of all, assembling the team. How many players dare to stay in an empty space with an option contract, so to speak, waiting for a place in the league next season, and then we wouldn’t get there, Lipponen worries.
– Some dare, but not all, and when it comes to building a team, we would come after the others.
As another point, Lipponen mentions the partners’ agreements.
– League options have already been made with Osa, but when there are almost 600 partners, it is a terrible job to make those league agreements.
– And the third point is that we don’t dare to strengthen the organization yet.
The economy will last
Kiekko-Poikie goalkeeper Juho Ahopelto stretches to save. Tomi Natri / AOP
However, Lipponen does not consider any obstacle insurmountable. He believes that the club’s financial figures and conditions pass the license criteria.
Last year, Joensuu Kiekko-Pojat oy’s turnover was 1.5 million euros and the financial year was profitable.
– After all, it was bigger than, say, the other year with Kiekko-Espo, which then applied for the League, Lipponen compares to the latest riser.
JoKP has announced a player budget of around 200,000 euros for this season. It should be increased to at least Jukurie’s 1.5 million, which is the lowest amount in the League.
Around this bracket, the construction of next season’s team is already underway for the league option. Some of the players in the current lineup have a league option in their contract, and the team naturally also needs reinforcements.
– Agents have called, and even big-name players have contacted themselves here. It’s great that you’re interested.
Looks good
There’s more the team has to do, and that’s what it’s currently doing: Kiekko-Poikie’s scoring average is the best in Mesti.
Sports are a mystery, but if the final is Jokerit–JoKP or the championship is celebrated in Joensuu, Kiekko-Pojat will advance to the SM league. Is that so?
– Yes, Lipponen answers without hesitation.