The Ice Hockey World Cup will be played in the Czech Republic from 10 to 26. May. follows events in the app, website, Sports Screen and Sports Radio.
When selected for the Lions Konsta Helenius17, played his first season in the SM league in Jukurei more than a year and a half ago, there were admirers from many directions.
Worked as the head coach of Jukurie Olli Jokinen received feedback that Helenius is in the wrong place and in the wrong game. Even the coaches of the youth national teams said that Helenius may not be able to play as a center even in the under-18 games with those born in 2005.
– I strongly disagreed as to whether he can play as a center. He was specifically made a center in Mikkeli, says Jokinen.
Quick jump to Leijon
Now a year and a half later, Helenius is preparing for the first World Championships of his career with a brand new Tappara contract in his pocket.
Helenius scored 14+22=36 in 51 matches in Jukurei and played at a point per game rate in the playoffs.
In Leijon, Helenius, on the other hand, convinced the coaching management and joined the final World Cup team. This is also where Helenius’s extraordinary ability lies.
He quickly adapts to the level of the game, is able to raise his own level and play to his own strengths.
– He doesn’t go solo outside the game system, but does his own things from his backbone inside the system. He is by no means a problem player, says Jokinen.
Helenius has been described as an extremely smart hockey player. He constantly makes the right decisions on the field at the level required by the game.
This was seen, for example, in the last EHT match against Sweden. In the match, Helenius also showed his composure in the competition for the winning goal by skilfully floating the puck into the net.
Desire to show critics
After this, Helenius glanced in the direction of Sweden’s bench. He wanted to know the reactions of the players, because during the game, one of the players had “snagged” Helenius.
– I saw what they thought about it, Helenius stated about his goal to Discovery.
According to Jokinen, the situation showed the character of Helenius as a top player. He always wants to compete and show his critics.
– It’s in his character. The more his head is opened, the harder he plays, says Jokinen.
Never wrong
On the other hand, Helenius also has the gift of speaking. The smiling and talkative young man also likes arguments. He is never wrong.
– We had a saying that if someone doesn’t know the objection to something, go and ask Konsta. He has an answer for everything and is always right, Jokinen sculpts and adds:
– But in a good way. He is a lively young boy who brought his own personality to the booth and was a very popular player in Mikkeli.
Questioned decisions
According to Jokinen, Helenius also had a particularly fine trait for a young player. The coach liked how Helenius, interested in his development, questioned things and demanded answers to decisions.
– His strength is his personality. He is a gambler, to whom you always have to justify why this is being done.
– You don’t always have to agree with the coach, but after discussions, a common tone is found.
Tremendous development
The reasoning has paid off, as Helenius has developed with huge leaps towards the brightest top. The decisions made a year and a half ago seem completely correct at this moment.
Someone guesses that not many people have an understanding of how much top individuals can really develop in the right kind of environment.
– When they get that support, hear positive things from teammates, coaching and others, that development is amazing.
Jokinen understood the situation, because he had been in a similar situation himself, i.e. made a breakthrough at a very young age.
– I had a very clear understanding that this is a tougher talent than me. It was a strong belief, but many disagreed, says Jokinen, who played 1231 NHL regular season games in his career.
The defensive game developed
In Jukurei, Helenius improved his weakness, i.e. playing without a puck, with great strides. As his physique improved, Helenius was also stronger in fights.
– Playing without the puck and playing defense are already at an international level. He worked very hard for them this year.
According to Jokinen, the youngster learned to value the importance of defensive play.
– He has an understanding that the better you defend, the more energy you have left to attack and use your own strengths, i.e. playing on the puck and pacing the game.
Already next year to the NHL?
Jokinen, who has become the head coach of the Swedish team Timrå, says that Helenius, who will be booked for the NHL next summer, has a good chance to play in the brightest lights already next season.
– I believe that he has a very good chance of taking a playing spot, depending of course on where he is booked and what the club’s plan is.
– I believe that he will fight for a playing place in the fall and take that place.
On the other hand, if a place to play does not open up, Jokinen considers Tapparaa a great environment to develop. That’s why Helenius can take a very relaxed approach to training camps.
– He has nothing but to win, so to speak. But yes, he will surprise a lot of experts once again.
Breaks Patrik Laine’s record
Before this, however, Helenius breaks Patrik Laine record as Finland’s youngest ever World Cup player. Helenius turns 18 on Saturday, while Laine was 18 years and 17 days old when he played the first match.
Jokinen expects to see open-minded ideas from Helenius. Just like in the SM league.
– He has been able to play with his strengths and without prejudice in men’s national matches as well. My expectations are high. You can expect anything from him.
– There is no way he will disappoint. On the contrary, Jokinen poova.