TPS fails to reach SM-liiga playoffs for first time in 11 years

Turku-based ice hockey club TPS will miss the SM-liiga playoffs after a 4–3 loss to KooKoo in the final game of the regular season, Yle reports. The team’s managing director called the failure a “major disappointment” given the club’s resources.

“We had the conditions and the means to clearly make the playoffs,” Aki Holma told Yle. “What we achieved was a big letdown.”

The last time TPS failed to qualify for the postseason was 11 years ago. The 2019–20 season would have also ended without playoffs, but the tournament was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Holma said the club will now conduct a thorough analysis of the season’s shortcomings. “There won’t be just one reason—we failed as a whole,” he admitted. “We have a lot of work ahead.”

When asked whether head coach Toni Söderholm’s position is under review, Holma dismissed the idea. “He has a contract for next season. If the season ended yesterday, we’re not looking at contracts today—we’re looking at the big picture.”

Fans pointed to inconsistent play and poor discipline as key issues. Longtime supporter Jussi Kuusela criticised the team’s lack of stability, noting that TPS led the league in penalty minutes. “It’s hard to win games from the penalty box,” he said. “We were extremely undisciplined.”

Other fans echoed concerns about defensive lapses and fatigue in the third period. Some called for stronger goaltending and new signings ahead of next season.

Holma acknowledged the need for critical changes. “The ship has to turn. We’ll focus on what didn’t work and what needs to change.”