Nokian Pyry is embarking on a significant chapter in its hockey history as they transition to the Mestis league for the 2025-2026 season. This move marks the first time the Nokia-based club will compete in the second-highest tier of Finnish men's hockey.
The journey to Mestis wasn't a straightforward one. Nokian Pyry earned the opportunity after winning the 2024–2025 Suomi-Sarja (Division 3) Championship. Subsequently, they were granted a Mestis spot when Hokki, a team that played in the 2024-2025 Mestis season, relinquished their position due to bankruptcy. The Finnish Ice Hockey Association officially granted Nokian Pyry Hockey Oy the Mestis league.
The club has a long history, with its hockey program dating back to the 1950s. For a long time, the team developed talent, but often saw players move to Tampere when they were ready to compete at a higher level. Nokian Pyry has been a force in the Suomi-sarja, claiming three championships in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Now that Nokian Pyry is moving into a more competitive league, the team will need players who can handle the faster pace and tougher competition of Mestis. The team has already been making moves to strengthen its roster, including bringing in Jerkko Virtala, who has experience playing in Mestis with Hermes.
The team is coached by Toni Rautakorpi, and the organization includes Mikko Aaltonen as coach, Juha-Matti Satama as goaltender coach, and Daniil Palonen as video coach.
The move to Mestis is a historic one for Nokian Pyry and its fans. The team will face new challenges in a more competitive league, but the organization is committed to building a strong team and competing at a high level.