Risto Dufva reflects on the history and changes to Mestis

Coach Risto Dufva reflects on the history and upcoming changes to Mestis, the Finnish ice hockey second-tier league. As the current format of the league reaches its final season, Dufva notes that the system is entering a period of transition similar to the year 2000, when the league was rebranded from the First Division to Mestis to distinguish it from the top-tier SM-liiga.

Dufva discusses the historical challenges of the league, including the disparity in resources among clubs and the impact of team movements between divisions. He specifically mentions how KalPa's recovery from bankruptcy and subsequent rise through the ranks influenced the league's dynamics and the competitive landscape of Finnish hockey.