TAMPERE, FINLAND – With the season a mere two weeks away, the first coach has left his post in the SM-Liiga. Tappara, Tampere’s head coach Petri Mattila has resigned from his duties.

According to Tappara’s website, Mattila has resigned citing personal reasons and has agreed on the matter with the team’s General Manager Mikko Leinonen. Tappara is currently searching for a new head coach with Assistant Coach, Sami Hirvonen, acting as the interim head coach.

“I would like to thank Petri for everything he has done for Tappara and his professionalism through out. We are sad to see him go, but wish him all the best for the future,” said Leinonen in a statement released on Tappara's website.

Tappara will start it’s SM-Liiga season on the 16^th of September with a local derby match against Ilves.

Pro Hockey News will be following the story as it unfolds.