The SLS Peterborough Phantoms are pleased to confirm our coaching team for the 2026/27 season, with Janne Laakkonen and Tom Norton joining Nathan Pollard in Ashley Tait’s coaching staff.
The addition of two-fan favourites with a wealth of experience adds considerable insight, knowledge and tactical information to a coaching duo already brimming with those attributes.
44-year-old Laakkonen has played all over Europe during his playing career and will be looking to add his insight to the playing staff alongside his playing duties this term.
Meanwhile Norton, a stalwart of the latest era of Phantoms hockey, adds encyclopedic knowledge of the NIHL National, its teams, players, coaches and systems. Nortz has previously worked with the defensive core in the Phantoms team and will bring his experience and expertise to the young defensemen within the Phantoms’ roster.
Laakkonen said: “I am excited about this opportunity to help the team in a new way and learn something new at the same time myself. I believe that, thanks to my experience, I can bring different perspectives on how we go about developing our operations both on and off the ice. I also hope to be able to help with the development of young local players so that they can take steps forward and earn more regular ice time with us!”
Norton said: “I’m really excited to be taking on a more formalised player coaching role with the Phantoms. I’m looking forward to working closely with Ash, Polly, Janne and the Directors, and hopefully we can push on the positives from last season. I’m ready to get stuck in and I look forward to being back in September.”
And Phantoms Head Coach, Ashley Tait, said: "To have both Janne and Norts experience and additional support is great for us. They’ve both been around a long time probably seen it all across a number of leagues. Im really looking forward to getting started with their added input."
Welcome to the coaching team, Janne Laakkonen and Tom Norton!