Urheilu’s ice hockey experts Topi Nättinen and Juha Juujärvi believe that the Finnish Ice Hockey Association emphasizes knowledge of Finnish ice hockey and the national team’s operating models in its selection.
Jukka Jalonen will leave his position as head coach of the Lions after the 2023–2024 season. Jalonen has been the head coach of the Lions from 2008 to 2013 and again since 2018. During his time, the Finnish men’s A national team has won, among other things, three world championships and Olympic gold. On offer are the biggest boots ever stepped into in Finnish coaching.
We asked Urheilu’s hockey experts Top from Nättine and Juha from Juujärviwho in their opinion are candidates for the next head coach of the Lions.
Jussi Tapola
Topi Nättinen: Jussi Tapola may still want to coach in the club team, but if the call comes from the Ice Hockey Association, it’s pretty hard to say no.
Juha Juujärvi: Tapola has indisputable records of coaching a top team to success, not only in Finland, but in Europe. In Tappara of Tapola, Jalonen Leijoni’s strengths were visible, but also renewal.
Antti Pennanen
Topi Nättinen: Pennanen has worked as an assistant coach for the A national team and as a youth coach. I think the screens are sufficient and he knows both people management and the way he plays.
Juha Juujärvi: Pennase has experience in the coaching groups of the A national team. As a youth coach, he has shown what modern and winning hockey is. In addition, he has experience and success with the club team.
Kari Jalonen
Topi Nättinen: Jalonen’s situation is interesting. It has a lot to do with how things progress with the Czech national team. His contract expires in a year.
Mikko Manner
Juha Juujärvi: You could find natural alternatives in the national team’s coaching group. They know the national team’s operational culture and game identity. I am removing Mikko Manner’s name from the coaching group. Manner has been able to coach famous teams and he is also able to reform.
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These influence the choice
Nättinen believes that the Jääkiekkoliitto emphasizes the coaches’ knowledge of Finnish ice hockey in their selection.
– You have to have solid performances in Finnish hockey and you have to know a Finnish player. The advantage has often been that the connection to the association can be found at least at the junior level.
Juujärvi also believes that the Jääkiekkoliitto emphasizes knowledge of the development of Finnish ice hockey in its selection.
– The task of the head coach of the national team has been extensive, as it has been connected with responsibilities for the management and development of Finnish ice hockey.
A continuation of Jalonen’s work, hardly from abroad
Finnish coaching expertise has been strongly present in the development curve of Finnish ice hockey.
– It would be a big signal from the Ice Hockey Federation if the next coach could not be found from this large and high-quality mass of coaches. At the moment there are many names, although they have contracts with club teams. I believe that the A national team is so interesting that we get the best Finnish option, comments Nättinen.
Juujärvi also does not believe that Leijon will be coached by a foreign coach next.
– There is no need for a new operational culture, but rather I would strive to nurture Finnish culture. With Finland’s hockey success, the task is tough. But you also have to remember that the base left by Jalonen is fine, Juujärvi clarifies.