Raimo Helminen had sold his country after the loss.
That’s it. The Ice Hockey League season 2024-2025 ended on Saturday night in the Lappeenranta horny liter, where KalPa was crowned Finnish champion 4-2.
In the decisive sixth finals, KalPa beat SaiPa with a 3-2 overtime.
The defeat was a bitter for SaiPa. It was seen by the players’ obvious on the ice as they slipped to pick up silver medals and fell into the locker room.
One of the particularly disappointed Lappeenranta was the head coach Raimo Helminen.
Helminen’s feelings were on the surface after a harsh defeat. The man’s voice colored and the eyes got wet.
– I have to congratulate KalPa for championship. Hat out of our players, coaching, service team and this audience. I have nothing else right now, Helminen says.
After the medal division, the SaiPa commander visited the ecstasy of the entire regular season and the playoffs that have lived in the playoffs. The support of the SaiPa community pulled the man silent.
– Yes, it touched. It was damn great. Big appreciation for this community, he said the voice shaking.
When KalPa hit the reel in overtime, the whole hall was silent. Half a minute after that, the whole audience began to encourage SaiPa.
This struck deep.
– Exceptional. That at the time of the loss, players are encouraged.
The Lions legend himself admitted that silver was not a bad achievement.
The spectacular season of success would seem to give a tremendous power for the future, even though the season ended bitterly.
“Raipe” will continue behind SaiPa bench next season.
– I haven’t had time to think about the future. The agreement has been concluded, so you have to come to work.
Injuries
SaiPa has also brought a good dose of joy to South Karelia and the eastern border as the unstable times in the world prevail.
Helminen is delighted that he may have been involved in bringing good spirits to the city and the whole province.
– It’s great that the whole city lives with you. If SaiPa is able to bring some joy, it can’t go much more.
Helminen did not go to the team’s injury situation.
SaiPa, the most notable setback, experienced in the fifth final of Friday when he played a stunning spring with SaiPa goal Kari Piiroinen injured.
Lappeenranta’s goal is guarded by the NHL in a solution game Michael Hutchinson.
– I’m not a start … everyone has them. At least we won’t go behind it.
Helminen could not open his plans for the coming days.
– There is no plan. It was only thought to be played. Now that Sputnik flight ended.
What are you going to say to the team in the locker room?
– Well, in this situation, there may be nothing Runeberg. Thank them for their great work. That’s the main thing.
Raimo Helminen’s SaiPa lost in overtime. Niklas Pehkonen / AOP