Mikkeli’s Jukurit never froze in the regular season, although many were waiting for it. Maybe even hoped.
Experienced Jarkko Immonen has been one of Jukuri’s most important players throughout the season. And will continue to be. ELMERI ELO / AOP
It’s true. Olli Jokisen coached by Jukurit, he placed second in the regular season of the League. It can only be described in one term: sensation.
In the final match of the regular season, Jukurit knocked down defending champion Lukon with numbers 6-2.
Jarkko Immonen, an experienced central forward from Mikkeli, was pleased with the regular season.
– Early in the season we had a bit of a hard time. But over 40 games we’ve played pretty well. Such a routine has been found, we have learned to win. And the defense game has improved, world champion Immonen thinks.
When you made a deal with the Yukuri, did you believe in the regular season in second place?
– I have to say that this is a surprise. I totally believed in the playoffs yes. But the upside went to the regular season. Compared to what I could expect.
– The wheel has not been reinvented here. But doing it works. There is a hard pace in the rehearsals, we skate pretty much. It has been transferred to games, Immonen says.
The role of Immosen
Jukurit left the season with a rather modest group. Team turnover has been high. Players like Aatu Räty and Patrik Puistola came to Mikkeli in the middle of the season after modest periods of play, without self-confidence.
The whole organization of the Jukuri is quite inexperienced. In these situations, the role of experienced players like Immonen is big.
– I have tried to help others through my daily activities. Both in gaming and in other things to do. I have tried to show an example, says modest Immonen.
Fans waking up
Jukuri’s home hall Ikioma Areena can accommodate 4,200 spectators. Jukurit is an absolute sensation and surprise of the league season, the team is coached by one of the puck legends in our country.
Still, the sports people of Etelä-Savo have had a somewhat slow awakening to the city’s puck success.
However, last Saturday’s HIFK game in Kalevankangas already had 3910 spectators.
The team will need their own support in the future.
Large scalps
Olli Jokinen, Vesa Surenkin (left) and Sergei Krivokrasov have whipped the Jukurit League regular season as a big surprise. MIKKO LIERI / AOP
Last Saturday, Jukurit knocked down HIFK clearly 4-0. Defending champion Lukko was left on Tuesday.
Big wins from big teams as real games approach.
– I have a strong belief that we can continue to make big profits in the spring. We have shown that we can win anyone. The team is in good shape.
– But now don’t shout any more at this point, Immonen, who hit 18 hits in the regular season, is stunned.