A screenshot from video from the Santa Rosa Fire Department shows a fatal crash on Highway 12 in Santa Rosa on Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022. (Santa Rosa Fire Department)
Jussi Tapola, the head coach of SC Bern News ice hockey club SC Bern, was involved in a serious motor vehicle accident earlier today. The 46-year-old Finnish coach, who has been with SC Bern since the start of the 2023-2024 season, sustained significant injuries and was rushed to the hospital for medical attention.
Details surrounding the accident remain limited, but it is understood that Tapola was involved in a crash while traveling on a highway near Bern. The circumstances of the incident are still being investigated, with authorities working to determine the cause. Tapola’s injuries have been described as serious, though not life-threatening, and he is currently receiving treatment.
Tapola’s accident has left the SC Bern organization and its supporters in shock, as the coach has quickly become a well-respected figure in Swiss ice hockey. Under his leadership, SC Bern has shown significant improvement, and his tactical expertise has been praised by both players and staff. Tapola, known for his strategic mindset and disciplined approach, has built a reputation for developing strong teams and fostering a winning culture.
The team has announced that an interim coaching plan will be put in place while Tapola focuses on his recovery. SC Bern’s management has expressed their full support for Tapola and his family during this difficult time, urging fans to respect their privacy.
Fans, players, and colleagues from around the hockey world have sent their well-wishes to Tapola, hoping for a full and swift recovery. The hockey community is closely monitoring the situation, with many eager to see the coach back on the ice once he has fully recovered from the injuries sustained in the accident.
