The new Unterland coach: Vesa Petäjä © Mirja Hussain

New coach: Unterland plans for the future

While the playoffs in the Alps Hockey League (AlpsHL) are still in full swing, the Unterland Cavaliers have filled the most important position for next season: A Finnish coach will be in charge.

April 07, 2026

From: leo

As the club announced on Tuesday evening, Vesa Petäjä will take over as head coach. He replaces Tuomo Harjula, who was promoted to head coach in November after Juhani Matikainen had to vacate his position. "The 40-year-old is expected to further advance the team's sporting development," according to a press release.

The former goalkeeper ended his playing career at just 19 and transitioned to coaching in 2008. He spent over ten years working with youth teams, primarily with the Lahti Pelicans. In 2019, Petäjä took charge of a professional team for the first time, signing with Finnish second-division side Peliitat mid-season. He remained there for two more seasons before becoming an assistant coach at first-division club TPS in 2021, a role he held until 2025. Now, he is about to embark on his first international coaching experience.

A coach for the future

"The 40-year-old is considered an experienced coach with a strong focus on youth development and promotion. With the coaching change, the club is specifically aiming for new impetus. Petäjä is expected to primarily instill clear processes, more structure in the game, and a consistent, disciplined way of working in the team," say the Cavaliers.

The sports management is convinced that they have taken an important step in the right direction with the signing of the new coach.