The Helsingin Jokerit, who play in Mesti, hired the legendary pilot Risto Dufva as their head coach. Dufva will be seen behind the Helsinki club’s bench already in Tuesday’s home opener.
Helsinki Jokerit, who play in ice hockey’s Mestis, has appointed an experienced player as their new head coach Risto Dufvan. Dufva, 61, will start his position immediately on Monday.
– When the jester calls, then the man leaves. I see this as a very tough challenge. The Jokers’ goal, i.e. promotion to the League, is the best thing that can be achieved in Finnish ice hockey. I’ve been able to take part in all kinds of rough and tumble, but I’ve never experienced one: playing in the League, Dufva commented in the Jokeriter press release.
Originally from Mikkeli, Dufva has achieved, among other things, the Finnish championship at the helm of JYP in 2009 and four Mestis championships in Jukurei (2001, 2002, 2003, 2006). He has also worked in the coaching group of the Finnish men’s A national team in several World Championships and, among other things, in the Torino Olympics, where Finland won silver.
In addition to JYP, Dufva coached Tappara, Jukurei, Lukko and most recently Vaasan Sport in the SM league between 2019 and 2024.
– Risto brings us valuable experience, know-how about success and, above all, more leadership. We have defined ambitious sporting goals that we intend to stick to, and bringing Risto into the coaching team is a big part of achieving the dream of promotion to the League, says the president of the Jokers Mikko Saarni.
Worked as the head coach of the Jokers until now Tero Määtt and the rest of the coaching team continues in the club with Dufva’s help.
– I have come here to help the Jokers, both coaches and players. I haven’t coached at this level in 18 years, so all the knowledge we have is needed. I think it’s really great that everyone continues, Dufva says.
The Jokerit lost their opening game of the season to Kiekko-Vantaa on Saturday 3–5 away from home. Dufva will be behind the bench in the Jokeri’s home opener at the Helsinki ice hall on Tuesday, when the team faces TUTO.