HIFK’s previous men’s Finnish championship in the 2010–2011 season was largely based on one key acquisition. Piloted IFK in his third season Kari Jalonen got a team captain who returned to the rinks of his home country after a long trip abroad Ville Peltonen.
Now the captain of the champion team from 12 years ago, Peltonen is starting his third head coaching season at Helsinki IFK, and the brand club’s expectations are nothing more than winning the Canada Cup at the Nordenskiöldinkatu ice rink in Helsinki.
Peltonen’s opening season at the helm of HIFK brought the team sixth place and last year the team was fourth. The trend should continue to rise, because the sports director Tobias Salmelainen has assembled a stronger crew than in previous years.
– I am just as excited now as when I became HIFK coach. Many players are very familiar. We have found a connection with the sports management, coaching, office team and players. Everyone is very committed to what we can achieve, Peltonen points out.
HIFK’s already famous team has been joined by attackers Jori Lehterä, Leo Komarov, Joonas Rask and Joni Ikonenof defenders Petteri Lindbohm, Tony Sund, Luke Martin, Aron Kiviharju and the goalkeeper Tomi Karhunen and with a tryout session lasting until the end of October Niko Hovinen.
– The frame is familiar and the method of operation is known to everyone. I personally believe that a clear goal is simply an empowering factor in everyday life and gives meaning to every day. There is good continuity, and we have been able to get good specific procurements involved, Peltonen is happy.
Peltosen has a versatile player material full of top talent in every area, and if everything goes well, you can expect a championship in the spring. The season of great expectations also brings with it gigantic pressures.
– Goals do not help in this day and time. We have just jumped off the scaffolding into the movement, like many others. The goal is crystal clear. We want to win the championship. Doing it right now and today will decide everything. Success requires growth, says Peltonen.
Peltonen admits that in everyday life it is impossible not to notice the high expectations floating around HIFK for the upcoming season.
– There are expectations in the world right up to death. The most important thing is how we handle expectations and are caught in the moment. Those (high expectations) belong in this sport.
– We are proud that hockey, our club and players are interested. Our job is to manage the operation at a level where it can be successful. However, I would like to remind you that now we are just getting started. This is a sweet thing!
Peltonen knows that HIFK also faces various challenges, adversity and even uncertainty during the season. We have prepared for this by gaining additional experience in the locker room with Olympic winners and world champions.
– We have a lot of players who have been involved in many things, there is experience. Then there are personalities who bring a good spirit to the booth. I like that the team’s self-esteem is built in that booth. In my opinion, the most important level of leadership in team sports is on the finish line, says Peltonen.
The HIFK coach wants his protégés to take responsibility and have the right kind of courage every day. In addition to professional pride, it is also a matter of self-confidence, trust in teammates and the activities of the entire club.
Komarov last time in the SM league 14 years ago
Ville Peltonen is happy after getting Leo Komarov, 36, in the HIFK shirt.
– “Leksa” is an Olympic champion and a great, strong person. I have known him personally from the national team years. Leksa has been in tough places, including perhaps in the NHL’s toughest grind while playing in Toronto. He also knows a lot about pressure and is able to help our players a lot, both older and younger inside the booth.
Peltonen points out that Komarov has a burning desire and hunger to leave his mark on HIFK.
– As a coach, I want to challenge him to find playability. He has already shown that. Komarov is a very versatile player and can basically play anywhere in our lineup – right in the top chains or in the lower chains. I think he’s an important piece for us, and then on the other hand, a not so nice player for the opposition.
Komarov himself says that he has only been properly involved in HIFK’s activities for a few days a week. His first observation has been that the work is at least pushed hard. The pressure will definitely be on HIFK’s neck.
– When I came here, I realized that we want to win (the championship). There’s no need to cover it up, but it won’t come off by snapping your fingers. No matter where we go, we are always a big scalp for others. At least for me it’s just a nice thing. I already told the guys that there are going to be writers and stuff anyway.
Lindbohm: Good drive and hustle
Like Komarov, HIFK’s fresh defender Petteri Lindbohm, 29, is also an Olympic champion and world champion. The last time he was seen in the SM league was almost ten years ago.
– I’m ten years older now, I’ve gained experience from different series. During this time, I have tried to develop as a player, so that I can keep up with the game as it has gone in a more puckish and faster direction, says Lindbohm.
Lindbohm joined HIFK on the eve of the series after it was revealed that the defender would not Sami Lepistö could no longer continue his hockey career and play in the back lines of IFK.
– Drive and hustle are good. There are players in the booth who have traveled and seen the world. At least it (success) doesn’t stick to the stories, the mouth is always full of gum. This is a good thing and brings relaxation. The younger guys join in and take command so that things don’t go off the rails, Lindbohm grins.
Lindbohm, who played in the NHL for three seasons and represented Frölunda last season, believes that HIFK’s strength lies in the fact that there are several players in the locker room who, when in a tight spot, get the best out of themselves.
– Personally, through defense, I want to bring leadership, relaxation to the locker room and throw in some jokes so that things don’t get too real. In a way, I want to help other players get to play the best, their own game. Through this, I can also play better myself, says Lindbohm.
The defender directly charges that if HIFK basically has even one player who does not play for the championship, then he is in the wrong place.
– Every player is aware of that. However, there’s no need to take pressure from it, it’s a goal out there somewhere. It is essential to focus on being present and on this moment and on developing both as individuals and as a team. The journey is of course long, but in the end games it goes surprisingly fast, Lindbohm speaks in a deep chest voice.