The son of the Lion King continues his career in Japan.
Jesper Jalonen continues his coaching career in Japan. EPA / AOP
The champion coach of the Lions Jukka Jalonen63, son Jesper Jalonen32, will be the head coach of the Japanese Nikko Icebucks next season.
The younger Jalonen has been the assistant coach of that club for the past two seasons. Last season, Jalonen was also Mora IK’s player observer.
– I am very excited and delighted to be given this opportunity. I am happy that I can continue with Icebuck, because I have really enjoyed my first two seasons, says Jalonen in the press release published by the club on Instagram.
Jesper Jalonen has previously worked as a head coach in the Finnish series at HC Giants and JHT. In addition, he has experience as an assistant coach at the Mestis club Hermes.
– We will do our best to make Nikko successful. I hope to see all our passionate and loyal fans next season cheering us on at the Kirifuri Ice Arena.
The puck man, who enjoyed himself in the defender’s lot, ended his playing career in 2018. In his last season, he played in the III division in the shirt of HC Giants and PT-80.
Jukka Jalonen’s younger son Jimi Jalonen30, played five games with 1+1 in the Anglet team last season in France.
Jimi Jalonen has also played 111 regular season games in the SM league with 3+16=19. He has represented HPK, Jukurei, Kärppi and SaiPa at Finland’s highest league level.
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