Roki Hockey raises nearly 10,000 euros to stave off bankruptcy

Roki Hockey has raised nearly 10,000 euros by selling supporter hockey pucks for 100 euros each, helping the Mestis club address its tax debt, Yle reports. The Finnish Tax Administration has petitioned to have the club declared bankrupt over 65,000 euros in unpaid taxes.

The club sold 98 of the 100 pucks offered at home games last weekend. Managing director Mika Toivola said the club had also received support from private individuals and both existing and new partners. The pucks and their stickers cost the company nothing to produce.

Roki has agreed a repayment schedule with the district court and the tax authority. Toivola said some of the debt had already been paid and the rest would be paid by the deadline, which is approaching. The club must then wait for a tax debt certificate from the authority.

Toivola said he believes the club will resolve the matter, but added that nothing is certain until the paperwork is stamped. He said a fundraising campaign would be difficult to organise quickly because of the permits required, and that the best way to support Roki is to buy a ticket, whether or not the buyer attends the game.

Another Mestis club, KeuPa HT of Keuruu, is also facing financial difficulties and has raised money through a financing campaign.