The Lions’ head coach was confused after the Norway match.
On Monday, Finland defeated Norway 4-1 in the World Cup. In the match, Leijonat rolled elegantly to victory.
The most surprising events were experienced after the game in the Uumen of the Prague arena, when Jukka Jalonen told about the surprising rule change of the World Cup.
The rules say that if a player’s helmet falls onto the ice in the middle of the game, he must skate directly to the substitution box.
– But that changed yesterday, Jalonen said.
The head coach explained to the media what, in his opinion, was the reason for the change.
– When we saw that it turned out the other way around. Kanuk’s helmet fell on the ice and he picked it up, put it on and went skating. It must have been going to the exchange shed. But you can’t do that.
According to Jalonen, Canada should have been sentenced to a two-minute suspension for the situation. That is, according to the rules that were still valid yesterday. It was the other way around.
– The judges seemed to just go there. There was no ice. We were wondering what kind of thing this is, Jalonen said.
Jalonen and Leijonat sorted it out quickly.
– We made a few contacts. And now you can take that (fallen) helmet. You couldn’t take it before the Games. Now you can take it, he updated.
In Jalonen’s opinion, special situations will result from the change.
– Now you can put it on your head, as long as it goes right. But there is such a thing that now the judge has to make interpretations.
– When you’re without a helmet, then you don’t play anymore, right? It’s pretty clear. But when you take it with you, put it on your head, the referee has to think and follow that one player, where it goes. Do you continue the game or go to the fence?
Jalonen did not hide his confusion.
– It’s a crazy thing. Not an iota of sense. Why did that rule suddenly change? When you could have said (after the Canada match) that the referee made a mistake. Should have given the second one, but didn’t.
Jalonen hoped that the old rule would still be valid.
– It is a very clear rule. When the helmet falls, it’s game over. That’s how it should be. But now you can start crocheting there and look for a helmet somewhere. A fool’s errand, Jalonen repeated.
At the same time, Jalo also found the situation amusing.
– At least the job remains interesting, he said.
The Ice Hockey World Cup will be played in the Czech Republic from 10 to 26. May. follows the events in the app, on the website, on Sports Screen and on Sports Radio.