Kari Jalonen has traveled a long way from TPS assistant coach to KHL, to the A-team and the main commander of the German Grand Society. The 65-year-old hockey man will soon be considering stopping.
Kari Jalonen is an avid Gof player. Tomi Natri / AOP
– This is a great trip as a coach. Let’s see where it still leads to. I was thinking a little quietly if this cologne trip is my Last danceor if coaching will continue, Kari Jalonen tells Iltalehti.
However, the Oulu breeder is not right now to hit the brushes in Santa. The man has a comprehensive agreement with the Del League Cologne next season. Last season ended with a loss in the final series for Eisbän Berlin.
– We have not yet discussed the future here. After the season, time has gone to the construction of the team, finding the right players on the team. We need more depth and the tip sharper, says Jalonen by phone from Cologne.
– Next season’s series program just came. In June, I’m in Cologne in June and are planning a travel program for next season. This series sits pretty much on the bus.
The team has one of the alien player places open. In addition, Jalonen interviews the team’s new German players.
– But yes, I spend most of the summer in Turku. There will probably be a lot of play in Auragolf, the coach laughs.
Success
Kari Jalonen took Cologne to the Del League finals this spring. Aop
Jalonen is one of Finland’s most successful hockey coaches.
He has led his team as head coach to the finals in Germany, Finland, Switzerland, the KHL and the World Cup.
He has won seven SM golds (four head coach) and two Swiss championships as a coach.
The 65-year-old hockey legend is in good shape and is still motivated for coaching. He has another season in Cologne.
-This trip to Germany and what I have received from it has given me a lot more. This came just at the right time. This is a new country and here are new players for me. This is a new and good challenge, “Kojo” ponders.
Jalonen has former NHL goalkeeper Fredrik Norrena in Germany.
A stunning World Cup
Kari Jalonen, surrounded by Media, in the spring 2023 World Cup. Timo Kunnari
Jalonen coached the Finnish A-team in 2014-16. The Czech Republic wanted the Finnish national team in the helm, where Jalonen coached two seasons, 2021-23.
Kari Jalonen’s clubs as a coach
- TPS (assistant coach)
- Tps
- Flies
- HIFK –
- Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)
- Lev Prague (KHL)
- Finnish national team
- Bern (Switzerland)
- Czech national team
- Cologne (German)
-In national team coaching, the World Cup is by far the finest thing. Camping, in the European series and the NHL found by hot players, they are great things. In the Lion, Jere Lehtinen took care of the NHL head.
– You have to be able to enjoy it all about it. This is the issue in national team coaching. And a good and reliable group must be built around. This also applies to the club team.
Lions?
When the Finnish Ice Hockey Association once selects the follower Antti Pennanen, Jalonen’s name will inevitably come to the speeches.
The man does not directly respond to whether coaching the Lions would be interested again.
– I’ve always applied for challenges. I’ve gone from country to place. Let’s look in peace. And as I said, somewhere you have to think about whether it’s time to leave the head coach’s tasks.
– I am interested in staying with hockey. Time will tell in what role.