Vaasan Sport

Lore & Background

Vaasan Sport was founded in 1939 as IF Sport. The team was involved in the founding of the Finnish top division Liiga in 1975, but was relegated only one year later after the 1975–1976 season. After relegation, Sport played in the Finnish First Division (later renamed Mestis) until they were relegated again in 1991–1992 to the Finnish Second Division. Climbing back up to the First Division was accomplished in spring 1997, with the game-winning goal scored by Kari Teräväinen in overtime against Kiekko-67. The 2008–09 season was a success as Sport won the Mestis championship. However, in the league qualification series the team lost the last game to Ässät in a best-of-7 format, remaining in Mestis. The series was close; Sport was a single goal away from beating Ässät in overtime and being promoted to Liiga, but was unable to score. During the 2000s, Sport struggled with bad economy, almost leading to bankruptcy. The club board made improvements, cutting the budget and installing new head coach Antti Törmänen, who built a new young team. The club surfaced from financial struggles and fought for championship victory again. In 2014, during the 2013–2014 Mestis season, it was confirmed that Sport would be promoted to Liiga for the 2014–2015 season, regardless of the outcome of the ongoing championship, due to former Liiga team Jokerit transferring to KHL, leaving an open slot.

Reader's Guide

Vaasan Sport's significance lies in its long journey from founding member of Liiga in 1975 to returning to the top division in 2014 after nearly four decades. The team's history includes relegation after only one season in Liiga, followed by years in the First Division and even a stint in the Second Division. Their 2008–09 Mestis championship and near-promotion against Ässät highlighted their resilience. Financial struggles in the 2000s nearly bankrupted the club, but board-led reforms and coach Antti Törmänen's rebuilding effort stabilized the team. The promotion in 2014 came not through on-ice qualification but due to Jokerit's move to the KHL, which opened a Liiga slot. The club's official fan club is Red Army, with Ultras 06 as non-official supporters. Retired numbers include #29 Håkan Hjerpe, #27 Tomi Väkelä, and #14 Sami Laaksoharju (the latter not officially retired but off rotation after his death). Notable alumni and coaches include Juhani Tamminen, Jukka Jalonen, Kari Heikkilä, Risto Dufva, and Doug Shedden.

Did You Know?

• The team was a founding member of Liiga in 1975 but was relegated after the 1975–1976 season.
• Sport won the Mestis championship in the 2008–09 season.
• Promotion to Liiga in 2014 was confirmed due to Jokerit transferring to the KHL.