Pave Mähönen, who has supported the Jokers for decades, is already looking forward to metro derbies and guest trips to new places.
At the Joker’s press conference, a long-time fan who wore a jersey purchased and worn in the Joker’s 1987–88 season Pasi “Pave” Mähönen is happy that the club that is dear to him is finally talking about his affairs openly and freed from the shackles of the KHL.
Mähönen, who was behind the new arrival of Jokeri, says that it was painful when he could not reveal the club’s latest news to others before the first day of June.
– It has been painful not being able to tell about unfinished business. Jokers have long had a veil of secrecy. It has disturbed and caused sleepless nights.
The Jokerit played in the KHL from 2014 to 2022. Just over a year ago, Mähönen traveled around in the company of other supporters at away games, but at the moment those times seem far away. It made him smile when the KHL was not mentioned once at the press conference.
Pasi Mähönen brought the fans’ perspective to the Joker’s press conference. JOONA RISSANEN
– Maybe someday I will remember that period. After all, we had nice trips, but that’s not on my mind now. This is where we start from scratch.
Playing at Mähö’s second division level in Finland doesn’t hurt at all when there is one gap year behind without a representative team. Now, he and the others are waiting for next season’s program, based on which supporter groups can plan big trips to away games.
– We are waking up the fan product little by little. Let’s start from Rauma’s lace tournament. We hope to go there with a big group. Mestis culture also involves going to visit new places and not being there with a grin.
Mähönen is already looking forward to the so-called metro derby, i.e. the meeting between Kiekko-Espoo and the Jokers. Also, meeting Kiekko-Vantaa can in a certain way create the atmosphere of a local match.
Pave, who has followed the Jokers for years, also points out an important point regarding the next season. Nobody gives clown shirts easy points.
– Everyone wants to beat the Jokers.