A Tampere-based hockey influencer went to North America to stay.
Jarmo Kekäläinen has been living his professional dream since 2013. At the time, he was the first European to be elected CEO of the NHL. The American title is GM.
– I am happy and satisfied that I have been with the sport all my life. I tried the banking world one summer, but it didn’t really taste good, Kekäläinen, 55, says.
Breaking into the NHL club’s GM is a very potential merit that can be achieved in hockey leadership.
– Then something has been achieved when it comes to winning trophies. It has not been possible yet, so there is enough work.
Columbus made it to the playoffs for four consecutive seasons, but this spring was the second time the Blue Jackets were out from the climax of the season.
– Every year we start to win the Stanley Cup.
Is that a realistic goal?
– I don’t use a word like realistic, Kekäläinen says.
– We have a really young team under construction. It may take a little patience to get to the playoffs. Next year we will be a little closer again to being able to aim for the Stanley Cup. Hopefully in 2-3 years we will be among those who are worthy of winning the Stanley Cup, he continues.
One notable piece of pitcher hunting is Patrik Laine. Even the paint deal ended this season.
– There are always two parties in contract negotiations, so I can’t answer how close or far we are.
A little bit
On Saturday, Jarmo Kekäläinen visited the Tampere Hall at a meeting of hockey legends hosted by Kalervo Kummola. Jussi Saarinen
The World Cup tournament brought Kekäläinen to his hometown and study city of Tampere. He played in the Finnish Championship League in Ilves in 1985–87 and in Tappara in 1992–93. The man still has friends in Mans.
– It was nice to come here. Great to see how Tampere has grown and developed. It’s been great to tour and look at old places that are no longer recognizable.
From an NHL point of view, the World Cup is not very great to watch, as it is the weakest tournament of the 21st century, if the NHL power points of those present are used as a measure.
– Injuries and contract situations have an impact. There have been tough times due to the pandemic, so players may be short of power.
Body fit
Will Patrik Laine continue in Columbus? AOP
There is plenty of power in Kekäläinen, as he has taken great care of his body even after his career as a player. Thirteen years ago, the man rushed to the Boston Marathon at an excellent time of 2.58.54.
– You can cope better mentally when you’re okay, says the man who names tennis and golf his favorite sweats.
The canteen’s canteen includes a wife and two daughters. The family is integrated into the United States. That means the disposal site is behind the rubble.
– The girls are at school and their future is there. Definitely do not want to live with a wife on a different continent than children.
One year ago, in 2021, Kekäläinen entered into an extension agreement with Blue Jackets until the end of the 2024–2025 season.
– There are no plans and no hurry to retire. Let’s see how long the employer is satisfied. I am very happy with where I work. We have a competitive team and a top owner who wants to win.