Joensuu Kiekko-Pojat plays two Mesti’s matches outside in Joensuu. In Saturday’s Winter Classic match, it is almost 15 degrees below zero and there are over 3,500 spectators.
The mestizo team Joensuu Kiekko-Pojat takes two match events outside and at the same time increases the number of spectators tenfold.
The 3,600 tickets for the Kiekko-Pojat–Jokerit winter classic played on Saturday have been sold almost to the last place. Later, Kiekko-Pojat will also play an outdoor match against Kiekko-Espoo.
The match to be played in Joensuu’s Mehtimäki outdoor stadium on Saturday is important for the team both mentally and financially. The team from Joensuu has played its home game this season in Outokumpu, where it has been difficult to get spectators.
Ticket income is welcome, but the most important thing in the players’ minds is the experience of playing outside in front of thousands of spectators.
– After all, this is special. Maybe once I’ve played in front of such a big audience, states the team captain Miska Hattunen.
The bitter cold prevailing in Eastern Finland affects the conditions. Almost 15 degrees below zero are forecast for Saturday evening.
The playing surface, i.e. the ice made outside, is also different from the norm.
– Now it’s 20 degrees below zero, the ice is hard and still a bit squishy, Niklas Meriläinen analyzed on Friday.
The players believe that in the match itself the ice is slippery and the mind is fresh.
– You don’t need to charge separately for a match like this, Meriläinen states.
Her own experience is designing and changing clothes.
– At least long pants and a shirt should be reserved so that you can change into dry clothes at each set break.
Outdoor matches bring a welcome boost to the team’s coffers
The season of the Joensuu team in Mestis has been exceptional and sometimes rocky due to the renovations of their home hall.
The public has not found a temporary home in Outokumpu. The hall, located 50 kilometers from Joensuu, can hold 700 spectators. However, Kiekko-Poikie’s audience average has hovered around only around 300.
Contrary to expectations, however, the situation has not tackled the economy of Joensuu Kiekko-Poikie.
– We have cut from every possible thing. The financial situation is currently quite good, even better than a year ago in the previous fiscal year. The club’s future is not at stake, manager Jaakko Lipponen says and shares many thanks to loyal partners.
The manager still admits that two Winter Classic matches played on outdoor ice will be needed. The ticket revenue is delicious.
– Both matches are of great importance to the continuation of Kiekko-Poikie. The renovation of the ice rink is in progress and you don’t know what will come of it.
Joensuu Kiekko-Pojat plays two matches outdoors at the ice stadium built in Joensuu’s Mehtimäki. The first match against Jokeri will be played on January 13 and the second against Kiekko-Espoo on January 20.