Roope Koistinen’s Coaching Career Has Proven Fruitful

Photo Credit : Grand Rapids Griffins

As a teenager, Grand Rapids Griffins goaltending coach Roope Koistinen realized playing at the professional stage might not be within his reach. Koistinen then fixed his eyes on a new path that would keep him in hockey for years to come: goaltending coach. “When I’m not making it, I would like to give a chance for other young goalies to make it to the pros,” said Koistinen.

The new path Koistinen forged led him to a lengthy career, spanning a decade, in the Kärpät system as a coach for the U16s, U18s, and U20s. HIs time there proved successful with many goaltenders, such as Veini Vehviläinen, Leevi Meriläinen, and Justus Annunen, going on to play professional hockey in North America. Watching players make the continental leap felt like a huge reward for Koistinen. “I like helping those guys,” said Koistinen. “When you see guys moving forward, see guys getting better, that's the pay day for me.”

Not only was it a joy to see players succeed, but it also inspired him to make a move of his own. “When I saw guys making the jump from Finland over to North America, I started to feel like that would be something I would like to try, too,” explained Koistinen.

Thanks to Kärpät’s success in producing talented goaltenders, Koistinen had the contacts at his disposal to reach out and offer his services to the Griffins to help with scouting. When the goaltending coach position opened in 2023, Koistinen already had an established relationship with the organization and felt comfortable enough to say, “Hey, I would be interested, if you guys would be interested in me.”

On July 3, 2023, the Detroit Red Wings announced the hiring of Koistinen as the Griffins' goaltending coach.

Moving across the ocean provided its own set of challenges, both on and off the ice, for him. In Finland, they play 50 games in the Junior League and 60 games at the professional level. So, the 72-game AHL schedule can be a bit of an adjustment for European transplants. “So, the pace, how many games you play in a week, or a month, it’s way harder here,” explained Kostinen. “How you prepare yourself, what do you show the goalies, or pre-scouting wise, that’s maybe the biggest adjustment for me. And, learning how to do that efficiently every single day.”

To prepare for games in a crazy, compact schedule and not become overwhelmed, Koistinen tries to live three days/games ahead of time. “So, you see that you’re playing Rockford next weekend and Iowa on Tuesday. You already start the process to get ready for those Rockford games,” said Koistinen. “It’s trying to stay ahead all the time. See those challenges what may come in the near future.” At the same time, he stresses the importance of balancing “looking ahead” with “staying in the present.” “Every day is different and staying in the present everyone is focused on the task at hand,” said Koistinen. “I think that’s the way you can get the best possible outcome every day.”

Off the ice proved to be the bigger challenge for Koistinen.

“The bigger adjustment is outside the ice. Living a normal life, getting adjusted to the culture, how to get electricity in your apartment, and stuff,” said Koistinen. “You have to figure out all of that.”

Luckily, Koistinen didn’t have to go through it alone and was able to lean on the rest of the coaching staff during the adjustment period. On top of that, he’s had goaltender Sebastian Cossa by his side for the majority of his time in Grand Rapids. “It’s great working with him,” said Koistinen. “It’s my third year. We are familiar with one another.” This familiarity has made both of their jobs easier. They’ve been able to learn how each practices and the different ways they prepare themselves, which has allowed each practice to be more productive than the next.

These two are clearly cut from the same cloth, as neither of them wants to become complacent with their skills and success. In fact, they often look for new ways to improve or update each other’s toolboxes.

Even when the Griffins are the best team in the league with a 25-1-0-1 record.

Outside of the game, Koistinen is learning from Cossa. “He’s super social. That’s something I admire about him, how he gets along with the people,” Koistinen said of Cossa.

Based on their relationship, you might surmise that working with Cossa is Koistinen’s favorite part of Grand Rapids. However, you would be wrong in your assessment.

Why?

Because, according to Koistinen, every day provides a new favorite moment or a new favorite memory.

“Every day is great,” said Koistinen. “Those days you spend with the coaching staff, with the team, I think that’s super valuable every day.”

As you can see, Koistinen’s openness to take a new path has led to a fruitful career and life.