Rikard Grönborg did not digest the refereeing of the SM League.
Rikard Grönborg let it burn. Mika Kylmäniemi / AOP
Tappara from Tampere claimed two points from Hämeenlinna when it beat HPK 3-2 at the end of extra time.
Tappara’s head coach Rikard Grönborg roared at the post-match press conference about refereeing.
Tappara was whistled for seven two-minute suspensions.
– I have never seen in my life that the referee has such a big influence on the game at this level, Grönborg roared.
The Swede continued that the judges were constantly correcting their own mistakes. According to him, the judges could not stand the pressure.
In addition, he was annoyed by the way the referees communicated with the head coaches of both teams.
– When they went to the HPK coaching staff to talk, they talked for five minutes. When I ask for clarity, they yell at me, whistle and give warnings. They didn’t treat me the way they should have. Beyond belief.
Tappara led the match at its best with a score of 2–0, but HPK leveled up in the third set.
Tappara’s winning goal was completed by John Quenneville.
A revelation from the Pelicans pilots
Pelicans also took two points, when the people of Lahti defeated KalPa 2–1 at the end of extra time.
Pelicans head coach Juhamatti Yli-Junnila was not at all satisfied with his team’s second set.
Yli-Junnila characterized that the team’s performance in the set was completely classless.
– It was scary (playing). When we got a takedown, we stood still and watched with our eyes as the opponent played a circle around us.
Pelicans’ coaching decided to use harsh words during the break.
– We barked everything possible. We threw things and ranted. The team answered it damn well, Yli-Junnila revealed.
KalPa led the match going into the third period with a score of 1–0, but Lars Bryggman completed the equalizer at the beginning of the third period. The winning goal was scored by Johannes Johannes.
Juhamatti Yli-Junnila is Pelicans head coach in his first season. Tomi Natri / All Over Press