On Tuesday it was reported that Tappara, TPS, HIFK and Jokers have hired a well -known hockey influencer Jarmo Kekäläinen to do the work.
Survey subscribers want to increase the attractiveness of Finnish ice hockey series. In the survey, four key areas include safeguarding the operating conditions, a functional player path, entertainment and responsibility.
We asked the SM League CEO From Mikko Pulkkinen views on the survey started by clubs.
Mikko Pulkkinen, CEO of the SM League, did the league come as a surprise that Tappara, HIFK, TPS and Jokerit hired Jarmo Kekäläinen to do the research on developing a Finnish top hockey?
– Perhaps the timing came as a surprise when we recently had a seminar that made a strong mandate and support to take this possible restructuring and development work.
– And the clubs have now been put on an info package and tools to evaluate different options, so the timing surprised me.
How do you think it tells you that four big clubs now want to do their own statement?
– I have talked to one club today, so the main owners behind these clubs have wanted a out -of -way view of such an important thing as the future of Finnish top ice hockey and possible restructuring.
– I believe they want their own fingerprints and an independent explanation to bring from outside.
What do you think Kekäläinen will bring to this?
– It is interesting to see that when Kekäläinen has made a great career in that world, he can certainly bring new views on this whole project.
Now open where we go in the big picture. That is, first there was a bigger seminar, then the top ice hockey team has gathered and made guidelines. What happens next?
– After the seminar, there was a strong support for this change. After all, we have always talked about two top series levels and we are now in the focus.
– Now we made an information package and a query package that has gone to the league clubs and is still going to Mestis’ clubs this week.
– Then, in their own organizations, the clubs are thinking about the line -up that they want and become familiar with the questions and tasks we have.
What kind of schedule do we progress?
– At the end of March, work will be collected back and in April the next time it is to sit down on the league side. Top ice hockey teams will meet in March-April. It is now the most important milestones for this next two months.
All parties have a strong common view that the system systems require a reform. It is also a common understanding of the fact that there would be no so many teams in the SM League in the future. So what is the model that will be most likely in the future?
– It’s a good issue, but it is still difficult to evaluate a little. But the top two levels of the league need to be made economically well and, of course, maintained athletic interest. I wouldn’t estimate exactly what kind of model it will be, but the two top level level levels are under hand.
In a study that Tappara, HIFK, TPS and Jokers asked to do, Kekäläinen also has a player association. What kind of thoughts does it evoke in the League’s CEO?
– Well, the player association was also there at the previous seminar. They had three people there and have been offered working in working groups.
– I would see that that is the same approach that is in that Kekäläinen project that the players are invited there.
Now that the serial system reform has been mobilized, everyone following the SM League wants to know that because we have new serial systems in Finland. So when?
– I dare not anticipate and lock the date. I would say it depends a lot on the fact that every club now assesses their position in both Mestis and the League.
Are we talking about the year, two or three now?
– I believe that the kind of pressure is that change must be made quickly than later. Personally, I would estimate that a new system should be obtained within two years.
– I justify that we have seen these financial challenges, so I think it’s time to find a new solution.
So, in two years, there could be a new model in use?
– This is how I could evaluate, but of course it depends on decision -making. Is there a model that can be committed to.
– Certainly you have to make compromises, and the negotiation is that if you want something, you will have to give something. I look forward to these discussions with interest when we get to that point.
What kind of negotiations do you expect? When you make two league levels, at the higher level, some teams will have to give up their place and it probably won’t be easy?
– Very good question. And that’s exactly what the ability of each club, the vitality of the area, the willingness to invest and everything else are sufficient. Those are the most difficult questions.
– If there was a two -level system that would be under one umbrella, then where to start. Competition will dictate in the future, where each company will come in every year. After all, that competitiveness has to be built in. Those are the hardest questions, to be honest.