Release from 07.07.2026

Pioneers appoint Grönvall as new head coach | Milan brings Finoro back to the league

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The Pioneers Vorarlberg have appointed Finn Janne Grönvall as their new head coach. The 52-year-old brings extensive international experience both as a player and as a coach. Meanwhile, Milano Hockey Club have announced the signing of Giordano Finoro. The 28-year-old forward has already played 147 games in the win2day ICE Hockey League for Asiago and Bolzano, recording 103 points.

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Giordano Finoro attracted attention at a young age before opting for the college route at the University of Guelph. In his first season, he immediately captured the U Sports title with 31 points in 35 games. He moved to Europe in the 2021/22 season, joining Asiago in the Alps Hockey League. There, Finoro quickly established himself as a reliable scorer and won the league title, the Italian championship, and the Italian Supercup with his team.

He then stepped up to the win2day ICE Hockey League with Asiago before moving to Bolzano after two further seasons. In 147 league appearances to date, Finoro has recorded 103 points. In the summer of 2025, the forward—who has also represented the Italian national team—initially moved to Sweden’s Allsvenskan with IF Troja-Ljungby. During the season, he transferred to the Fife Flyers in the UK’s Elite Ice Hockey League, where he posted 16 points in 34 games.

Pioneers present head and assistant coach
The Pioneers Vorarlberg have secured an experienced Finnish coach in Janne Grönvall as their new head coach. As a player, the 52-year-old won a silver medal with Finland at a World Championship and has gained valuable experience in recent years as an assistant coach in the Finnish Liiga with Tappara, KooKoo, and Vaasan Sport. Grönvall is known for a structured style of play, high intensity, and a strong focus on player development, and is expected to provide key impetus for the Pioneers.

He will be joined by fellow countryman Marko Ojanen as assistant coach. The 53-year-old has spent many years in the Liiga in this role and most recently worked as a video coach for Finland’s U20 national team.