After separating from Harry Lange, the Moser Medical Graz99ers are looking for a new main trainer. Could the new head coach from Switzerland find his way to the Mur?
After twelve games, Graz99ers boss Herbert Jerich decided to part ways with Harry Lange, who had looked after the Styrians since the 2024/25 season, following the overtime defeat in Linz. He himself said that they now want to get a real capazunder. A coach with a lot of experience and success should get the most out of the people of Graz.
Finn power for the 99ers?
One name that is circulating through the rumor mill is that of the Finn Jussi Tapola. Yes, the 51-year-old can boast some success and has already had several years as a head coach. With Tappara Tampere he was crowned champion of the “liiga” no less than four times, and he also won the Champions Hockey League with the Finns.
In 2018/19, Tapola moved abroad, joining the KHL club from Beijing, but after a year he returned to Tampere. In the summer of 2023 he moved to Switzerland where he took over SC Bern. He worked there until October 1st, after which the Bernese sporting management decided to part ways. The statement from SCB sports director Martin Plüss at the time: “Unfortunately we realized that the sporting development since the start of the season did not meet our expectations.”
If Tapola actually finds his way to Styria, he would be the second Finn to work as head coach for the Graz99ers. In the 2013/14 season, Petri Matikainen, later the KAC champion, was on the boards for a few games.
Image: Werner Krainbucher, Puckfans.at
