Mikkelin Jukurit appeals to the public to balance their finances. Jukurit has published an extraordinary appeal on the front page of the newspaper and through wide e-mail distribution.
On Thursday morning, Mikkelin Jukurit, which runs the ice hockey league team, published an open letter in which it appeals to the public in Southern Savonia for support.
The letter was published on the front page of the Länsi-Savo newspaper. In addition, it was widely distributed by e-mail to people in the area.
Managing director Antti Laakson the solution was reached, because the finances of the league team are tight.
– There are certain challenges, but this does not mean that we are in a complete crisis. We need money in the coffers and people’s reactions this morning have shown that our appeal has been an effective means.
“The situation has not been sustainable”
There have been big changes in the background forces of the Jukurs since the spring. Major owner, investor Heikki Viitikko sold his shares and left the board as well. Viitikko owned 27 percent of the shares.
Also another large owner, who managed Jukurei for almost the entire 2000s Jukka Toivakka left the board. Toivakka owns 25 percent of the shares.
Large owners have also financed Jukurei along the way. Viitikko has lent money to Jukurei’s background company, for example, to buy a league share.
The published petition refers to the waning of funding brought in by the owners.
– This situation has not been sustainable. We must succeed and stand on our own two feet, the letter urges.
Audience to three thousand
According to Antti Laakso, the purpose is specifically to wake up the people and companies of the region to realize that without extensive support, a team from a small economic region cannot succeed in the league.
– In practice, it means that the number of spectators at home matches must be around three thousand. That’s what we want to convey in the letter, and not to incite any panic, says Laakso.
The number of spectators at home matches this season has been around 2,700 spectators.
According to Laakso, the everyday life of the team and the club works normally.
– The game is played on ice and this season we will go with these chips. Planning for the new season is underway and the plans are crystal clear.
Jukurei’s league team will change next season when the coach Olli Jokinen the three-year pesti ends. Probably some of the players will also change scenery in that situation.
– The name of the new coach will be revealed within a few weeks.