Curt Lindström is happy with the Lions Olympic victory.
Curt Lindström coached Leijon for his first World Cup gold in 1995. Tomi Natri / AOP
– Finland was definitely the right team to win Olympic gold. It was the best team in the tournament, watching the final on TV at home in Thailand Curt Lindström incense.
– Finland’s defense game was so strong that Russia did not even have a decent place in the third round, “Curre” notes.
Lindström, 81, was Finland’s head coach from 1993 to 1997 and led the Lions to three medals.
The 1994 Lillehammer Olympic Bronze was followed by World Championship silver that spring. The championship went awkwardly to Canada, but in the spring of 1995 it became the first World Cup gold when Tre Kronor crashed in the Globen final.
With the historic championship, Finland owned the Gold Current as its adoptive son. The emotional bond is still two-way.
– Of course I am Swedish, but Finland is also in my heart. When Sweden did not make it to the finals, I am happy with Finland’s victory.
Praise to Jonen
That’s it! Hannes Björninen presents a gold medal in the middle of a joyful flock of lions. EPA / AOP
Lindström recalls that he coached Ilves in the period 2004–05, when he was young Marko Anttila made his team debut in the SM League.
– He has developed into a great player who scores big in big tournaments.
Head coach Jukka Jalosen Lindström says he has been following the work for a long time. He reminds that Finland, under Jalonen’s leadership, has won two men’s world championships and once again the World Cup gold for young people.
– Jukka is a fantastic coach for the Finnish puck, Lindström praises.
– Yes Kalervo Kummola has done important background work for decades.
“A couple of beers”
Lindström does not want to emphasize his own contribution as the beginning of the Lions’ golden age. He still enjoys memories of success.
– Saku Koivu told me that I taught the Finns to win and they were no longer afraid to win.
– However, Finnish hockey was very good even before my time. Good work had been done in Finland for a long time, Lindström reminds.
– Today, Finland has an excellent hockey culture, and the sport is important to people. I am very happy for the Finns.
Lindström said he was celebrating the Lions Olympic victory with “a couple of beers”.
He has been invited to Finland as one of the guests of honor at the World Championships in the spring. The World Championships will be played in May in Tampere and Helsinki.