The position of head coach of the Finnish men’s national ice hockey team is an extremely tough position. Now it is still exceptionally challenging, writes Jussi Paasi.
Jussi Paasi Sports reporter
The news was expected. Antti from Penna had long been considered the number one candidate for the next head coach of the Lions in hockey circles.
Another strong candidate in the final stretch was experienced Kari Jalonen.
Häme Sanomat told firstthat Penna will be presented to the board of the Ice Hockey Association Jukka Jalonen successor from next spring onwards. The union sealed the selection on Thursday.
Everyone knows Jukka Jalonen’s place and position in Finnish sports. It is there on the nation’s cupboard.
Even if anyone is chosen as head coach now, the situation is clear: Jalonen’s huge boots are almost impossible to fill.
The task of piloting the lions has always been an extremely tough place. Now it is still exceptionally challenging.
The lions’ streak of success was broken in last spring’s home games. The team’s rejuvenation surgery is ahead. Many of the regular players have already won everything possible.
The flagship of Finnish ice hockey needs to be rebuilt. It won’t happen in an instant.
The people still demand success in the future. It is used to gold. Nothing else will do. The pressures are enormous.
Pennanen, 44, finds himself in a public role he has not played before. He is expected to be enlightened at the ministerial level. Both at work and in civilian life.
Not again?
Antti Pennanen is certainly a good hockey coach. He has already proven that with his work. Finnish championship in HPK 2019, world championship as Leijoni’s assistant coach in the same spring. There are other sea rites as well.
But is he the right man to lead Leijon right now?
Of course, I wish Pennas nothing but the best in his new job. But when I glance in the direction of recent history, I can’t help but think: maybe not again?
Let’s go back in time a few hockey seasons.
Lauri Marjamäki led Kärpät to two championships (2014 and 2015). Marjamäki was a young and shining coaching star of gray ice hockey, who was quickly made the head coach of the Lions. The setting is largely the same for Pennanen.
Marjamäki’s time as the national team’s first coach turned out to be quite an alleyway. First in the World Cup, a proper back sauna. Then, in the World Championships two years in a row, a severe disappointment. Even at the Olympics, a medal remained a dream. After that, a return to club coaching.
Does Pennanen jump into the merciless job too soon? Would it have been wiser to leave Leijonat for a couple of years in the experienced hands of Kari Jalonen and let Pennanen marinate in Ilves during that time?
I answer: yes and yes.
And at the same time, I hope I’m wrong.
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