The Finnish men’s national ice hockey team was given a new faith in one night.
Wait a minute!
Everything has been changed here.
Heads turned in the audience of the Prague Arena training hall as the media followed the Lions’ training on Saturday afternoon.
Jukka Jalonen had reshaped his group almost completely. The offensive chains and superior formations were completely different from last night, when Finland lost to the Czech Republic in the World Cup opener.
Only the defense pairs of the Lions were unchanged.
After the exercises, Jalonen commented on the renewed lineup.
– Just normal activity in the tournament. It was already known in advance that we would vary a bit. What ever happens.
Now, however, we changed a little more than usual. Rarely, right after the opening match, has the composition of the team experienced such big changes in Leijon. Jalose was asked if he remembers that he had previously made a commotion in the team similar to the Games at this stage.
– I don’t remember… I don’t remember. But now ten games have been played in five weeks and changes have been made after each game. In practice, they don’t really matter. Someone has played one game with someone, so no radar pairs can be formed yet. Let’s see where we can find it. I hope you find it.
What are the changes being sought for?
– First of all, a couple of new players on the field. Everyone gets to play with their own strengths. We have plenty of time here to try out different compositions, the head coach said.
Are there any big changes to be expected in the composition of the Lions in the future as well? So, how far have Jalonen’s plans been in terms of the composition?
– One game at a time. There is no idea yet how to play on Monday, Jalonen answered calmly.
Konsta Helenius was raised directly in the middle of the first chain. Open up this solution a bit, what is it all based on?
– Probably because he is a really good player. Otherwise, it probably wouldn’t be there.
What about the one injured in yesterday’s game Saku Mäenalanen situation?
– Looks good. Was able to practice.
Jalonen also analyzes Friday night’s match, where Finland lost to the Czech Republic after the winning goal contest.
– It was a tough game. Lots of good stuff. A lot of defending, a lot of offensive zone play. An even game. Both have the same number of scoring opportunities on the flat field. Of course, it was sad when we didn’t score from the positions at the end. It’s like that sometimes.
However, Jalonen found room for improvement in his group’s performances.
– Maybe such small nuances. Leaving under pressure, that’s one thing to rock. Then a little bolder choices in certain situations. Took it on the safe side and maybe it wasn’t a good thing. I think we will play better in the next game.
The Finnish team remembered Helenius, who turned 18, with a congratulatory song at the beginning of training.
Is there anything else coming up?
– There might still be something in that booth.
What is that something?
– Something to eat, probably, for the whole group.
The Ice Hockey World Cup will be played in the Czech Republic from 10 to 26. May. follows the events in the application, on Urheilu’s website, on the Sports screen and on Urheiluradio. The Lions will face Britain in their next match on Sunday, May 12. at 1:20 p.m.