Teemu Selänne praises Toni Koho, who ended his career – the hockey legend came to watch the farewell match: “The most versatile athlete I know”

A baseball legend Toni Kohonen career ended today, when Imatra’s Pallo-Veikot met Manse PP in the final round of the men’s Superpesis regular season. In the match, the away team Manse was better with figures of 2–0 (4–0, 11–5).

A total of 2,089 pairs of eyes had gathered at Imatra’s Ukonniemi stadium to watch the end of the baseball player’s career of all time.

Kohonen, 46, who has achieved everything, was especially hoped to enjoy the last super nest match of his career. Former baseball player Antti Hartikainen returned in his memories to the time when Kohonen first switched to Sotkamo’s colors in 2000. At that time, the 15-year-old Hartikainen was still playing as a junior and dreamed of a career as a locker.

– From then on, he was one of the biggest idols. In 2011, a joint streak in the same team began and there are quite golden memories from those years.

Hartikainen and Kohonen, who have won eight seasons and six championships together in Sotkamon Jymy, have certainly shared several moments of victory.

– As a skier, he was the conductor of the outdoor game and an athlete tuned to his peak, Hartikainen describes.

Also played together with Kohonen in Sotkamo Kari Hakkarainen describes Koho as a talented person. Hakkarainen ended his career in 2001, when Kohonen started his baseball career at the age of 25.

– Sportsmanship, a top athlete’s attitude to training and a strong will to win have made him Toni Kohonen and made possible the kind of career he has played, describes Hakkarainen.

Hakkarainen briefly returned to the major league level in his career in 2007.

For Imatra, Kohonen’s good friend had also come to follow the decision of Kohonen’s career Teemu Selännewho also has a long sports career behind him.

– I must say that it is an honor to be there. Yes, the last game of a great Finnish athlete is interesting, says Selänne.

Kohonen participated in the Supertähdet television program hosted by Teemu Selänne in 2017. At the latest, Selänne was impressed by Kohonen’s versatility.

– Toni is perhaps the most versatile athlete I know.

– In Ohelma, Toni listed everything she is capable of: decathlon, pole vault, ski jumping and everything from balance beam gymnastics to soccer and lacrosse. I don’t know anyone else who has practiced so many sports and still knows those sports. We are talking about a real superstar, Selänne describes.

Selänne tells how great it has been to follow the career of a top athlete that has lasted for so long. The hockey legend also knows how challenging it is to end a sports career.

– Yes, quitting is always quite difficult, especially when you love your own sport and it has been passion and love, but I believe that Tonik also knows when the last moment is and of course the body will meet at some point.

Selänne believes that Kohonen will enjoy the new phase of his life, when his duties as a top athlete are left behind.

– I hope now is the moment and he knows that the matter is in the package. Welcome to retirement.