Photo credit: Screenshot
Montreal Canadiens fans who were watching Finland’s game to see prospect Oliver Kapanen in action were left disappointed.
Although the young forward took part in warmups and appeared on the official list of dressed players, he never stepped onto the ice.
We now have confirmation that Oliver Kapanen was dressed by head coach Antti Pennanen, only to remain on the bench for the entire game.
This roster management decision may seem puzzling to North American observers, but there appears to be a logical explanation behind it.
It’s not necessarily a slight against the Canadiens prospect’s talent, nor any kind of punishment.
Is this a cultural strategy specific to Finland?
The pattern seems familiar in Finnish hockey.
Cloutier points out that during the World Junior Championship, Finland’s 13th forward also systematically remained at the end of the bench.
“Regarding Kapanen: from what I remember, Finland’s 13th forward also stayed at the end of the bench during the World Junior Championship. That’s just the Finnish way of doing things.”
– Nicolas Cloutier
This is apparently how the national program operates: a reserve player is dressed in case of injury, but there is no attempt to insert him into the regular rotation if everything is going smoothly.
The truth behind the decision to keep Oliver Kapanen glued to the bench for an entire game
“Oliver Kapanen was dressed by head coach Antti Pennanen but ultimately remained on the bench for the entire game.
The Finns are used to not using the 13th forward during international tournaments — even if he is dressed and ready to play on the bench.”
– Nicolas Cloutier
It’s frustrating for the player’s development and for fans who want to see him play, but it seems to be part of Pennanen’s philosophy.
Contrary to what some suggested, the truth is that it had absolutely nothing to do with anything personal, nor was it a punishment for Kapanen.
It’s clear that Kapanen will have to hope for an opening or a shift in strategy to earn meaningful ice time in this tournament.
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