Raimo Helminen’s way of working is a prime example of what coaching should always be about, writes Jussi Paasi.
Jussi Paasi sports reporter
RaiPa. SaiPe
Raipen pojat coffee mug. Raipen Tarukunat t-shirt.
From the hubbub around SaiPa, it can be concluded that a real messiah has arrived in Lappeenranta, who will free Kisapuisto from the shame of the years.
Of course he is Raimo Helminena Finnish hockey legend.
It is truly inspiring to watch how quickly the depression that surrounded SaiPa for a long time has changed to joy and hope. Under Helminen’s leadership, SaiPa has played open-minded and fresh hockey.
At the same time, it is confusing that the attention for SaiPa has been focused almost exclusively on Helmis.
Confusing, but not surprising.
In Härmä, coach-centricity has dominated the puck discussion for far too long. We journalists are largely responsible for that. In Finland, we are stuck arguing about who is coaching the game right and who is wrong. Hohhoija.
Don’t get me wrong, of course. You can and should cheer for Raipelle. But the most important thing should not be forgotten. In my opinion, that’s what Helminen is constantly trying to bring out in his own way.
‘s expert Top Nättinen summed it up in three words. The game belongs to the players.
Of course, giving the game to the players does not mean that the coach’s role in the team game is somehow minor.
No, on the contrary. It’s just about understanding the coach’s role. You can listen to more about that in the video above.
I wrote a week ago that there are not enough coaches of the new generation in Finland who have been able to experience everything that a coach should experience in his work. (At the same time, I think I’m guilty of focusing too much on the coach, oops!)
Helminen has experienced enough. Especially in his career as a player, but also as a coach. Raipe really has a lot to offer players. Everyone can see that, for example, from clips from the early season of SaiPa.
Helminen doesn’t seem to think too much about his own career. His way of doing things seems like a prime example of what coaching should always be about. For helping players. Not about stroking the coach’s ego, career planning or who is coaching right or wrong.
Basketball coach Henrik Dettmann took the idea a little further. On the door of Dettmann’s study is written: “players’ servant”.
You could also read that on the door of SaiPa’s coach booth. Helminen wants the players in the center. He knows the game belongs to the players.
You should probably ask Helmis himself. What is he after? What does he aim for in his training?
I think I know the answer.
I’ll bet a lot of money that Raipe’s answer, in a hoarse Tampere dialect, will go something like this: “Well, I’m trying to help the boys play.”
And that’s what boys like.
Jääkiekkokierros broadcasts SM league matches live on Wednesdays on Radio Finland and on Fridays and Saturdays at Areena.
Friday 27.9. at 18:30 the matches HPK–Kiekko-Espoo, KalPa–Jukurit, KooKoo–Sport, Lukko–HIFK, Tappara–Kärpät, Ässät–TPS and at 19:30 Pelicans–Ilves. We celebrate in Tampere Jukka Peltolaawhose game number 81 Tappara freezes.