Mikkelin Jukurit embarks on new era following Olli Jokinen’s departure as head coach

Mikkelin Jukurit, one of the most followed teams in the league this season, is entering a new era following the departure of head coach Olli Jokinen. Jokinen, who transitioned from North America to Mikkeli, challenged long-standing notions in Finnish hockey during his three-season tenure, although the team never advanced past the quarter-finals. His successor, Marko Tuomainen, is a former teammate and well-acquainted with Jokinen.

However, Tuomainen emphasizes that it is important to focus on the present: “This is Mikkelin Jukurit. Hockey is a player-driven game.” The team aims to qualify for the playoffs this season, without specific placement goals. Team captain Jesper Piitulainen expressed confidence that they can leverage predictions of poor performance to their advantage, noting, “We’ve learned to use those as motivation.”

The Jukurit squad has undergone significant changes since last season, with most key players leaving for North America or European leagues. Financial challenges mean this season’s player budget is considerably smaller. “We secured the players we wanted within our resources,” said Tuomainen.

Pennerborn, meanwhile, has taken the helm at JYP after several disappointing seasons, with the team last making the playoffs in 2019. Now, he seeks to restore credibility to JYP hockey. Pennerborn is the team’s first foreign coach, having previously coached in Austria and the Swedish top league. He acknowledges the uphill battle: “Change won’t happen overnight; we need to work hard and correctly every day.”

As the season begins on September 10, Jukurit will face HPK at home, while JYP takes on the Lahti Pelicans at their arena.