Teppo Kivelä moves to HC Gherdëina. © Doriano Brunel / Fassa Falcons

An old acquaintance is the new Val Gardena coach

After replacing the sporting director, HC Gherdëina has now clarified the most important position regarding the upcoming season in the Alps Hockey League (AlpsHL). Teppo Kivelä replaces John Miner and is the Furies' new head coach.

25 April 2024

From: pm

The sporting directors Joel Brugnoli and Marco Liberatore have decided on a realignment this year and are relying on a Finnish coach who knows the local ice hockey very well: Teppo Kivelä.

The 56-year-old played in the highest Finnish and Swedish leagues, was drafted in the NHL in 1987 and also completed a season in Milan. He began his coaching career in Finland before moving to South Tyrol in 2009 and joining HC Pustertal. At the Wolves he was initially coach of the U18s and assistant coach of the first team before being appointed head coach.

Stations in Bruneck and Neumarkt

The man from Espoo then moved on to HC Neumarkt, where he worked as head coach in the then Serie A2 for two years. After an interlude as an assistant at the Graz 99ers and the Italian national team, Kivelä joined the Fassa Falcons, where he was in charge for three seasons. For the last four years, the Finn has coached EHC Winterthur in the Swiss second division. The collaboration ended on November 21st of last year.

“Everyone knows that Teppo Kivelä is very valued in South Tyrol and Italy. He knows the local ice hockey, is a great person and is well prepared tactically. It’s important to him that every player in the team plays their role,” emphasizes Brugnoli. “The fact that he has trained in the Swiss League for the last four seasons is a testament to his professionalism.” Among other things, Kivelä also looked after former HCG player Matt Wilkins at Winterthur. “I am very pleased to be coming back to Italy and coaching the HCG. I can't wait for the new season to start. See you in August,” says Kivelä.