The turmoil around JYP has continued for almost a month. After the dismissal of head coach Jukka Rautakorvin and coach Ville Nieminen, JYP has lost all nine games.
Jussi Lindroos,
Mikko Maasola
If it hasn’t been easy for the JYP team in recent weeks, it hasn’t been easy for the supporters either.
JYP has two official supporter associations: Drum Group and Hurrikaanisydän. Board member of Hurricane Heart Tommi Laitinen has seen JYP’s ups and downs over the years.
– In any case, I go to the hall in a good mood. We will continue to support the team, especially now, when it needs it, says Laitinen.
However, he admits that the ninth consecutive defeat on Saturday in Mikkeli was a tough place for a while.
– At first I thought it was enough. Can’t take it anymore.
However, my mind changed on the way back to Jyväskylä. In the bus, deeply disappointed fans encouraged each other and decided to stay with the team.
According to Laitinen, the role of supporters is especially emphasized in weak moments. He hopes for encouragement for the games.
– If the audience stays away from the hall, then where will the players draw that spark from?
Laitinen is of the opinion that the coverage around JYP is starting to go overboard.
– I feel like I can’t read every headline anymore.
During the last few weeks, however, the hottest soup has been boiling on social media. Laitinen hopes to keep the ice in his hat. Even JYP fans have “shouted” to each other.
– It’s been pretty rough, I hope it gradually calms down. Now you have to really move your eyes forward, give all your support to the team and stay in the stands, says Laitinen.
Despite the losses, at least Hurikaanyäðin hasn’t given up. They also have three bus trips to away games in their plans. For example, 40 JYP fans have already signed up for the Lappeenranta trip to be organized in a month.