Mikko Lehtonen is playing his second season in ZSC Lions.
Mikko Lehtonen plays a big role in the back lines of Zurich Lions. The first season brought 7+23=30 power points to Pak’s statistics. ZUMAWIRE / MVPHOTOS
Juho Lammikko and Mikko Lehtonen are currently the Finnish players of ZSC Lions. The wealthy Swiss club is coached by the famous Marc Crawford.
The Canadian coached the Colorado Avalanche to win the Stanley Cup in the 1995-1996 season.
The man from Ontario has also worked as a head coach for the Quebec Nordiques, Dallas Stars, Los Angeles Kings, Ottawa Senators and Vancouver Canucks.
The hard-nosed Canadian appreciates Finnish players.
– There are two of us here and it seems that he really appreciates Finns. A Finn is usually easy to coach, doesn’t complain and does his job, Lehtonen tells Iltalehte.
– He asks about the players from time to time. He has said out loud that he wants more Finns here. Of course, we pump up Finns’ tires whenever possible, the Turku man laughs.
In place of Tappara’s man
Experienced Marc Crawford coaches in Zurich for the second time. The position of Lions’ head coach is one of the most sought-after coaching jobs in Europe. ZUMAWIRE / MVPHOTOS
The 62-year-old Crawford has also coached the Canadian national team.
He was an assistant coach at the 1996 World Cup, where Canada finished second, and a head coach at the 1998 Olympics, where Canada finished fourth.
The Canadian was invited to coach the Lions last December 28 completely unexpectedly.
– I was leaving Turku for Christmas in Zurich when I received the email about it. It came as a surprise. We were third in the series, just a couple of points from the top.
– A change of coach is always a change for the players. The club wanted a change in that regard, Lehtonen thinks.
Crawford replaced Rikard Grönborg. The Swede’s career continues as Tappara’s head coach.
Mikko Lehtonen (left) and Juho Lammikko are the Finnish players of ZSC Lions at the moment. TIMO KUNNARI
Championship in binoculars
Zurich is one of the richest ice hockey clubs in Europe and a very desirable place to play or coach. That’s why the team’s goal for the season is simple, the championship.
– We have a good team. We have the opportunity for anything, says 29-year-old Lehtonen cautiously.
Last season, Ökyserua’s sky was broken in the playoffs Antti Törmänen to coach Biel.
– The bad taste remained from last season.
To the lion
Mikko Lehtonen is an experienced national team player. PETRI SAARELAINEN / AOP
The TPS breeder is an Olympic champion and two-time world champion. The defender has been Jukka Jalonen’s trusted horse in the national team in recent years.
With NHL and KHL experience, Lehtonen is a sure World Cup player next spring if he stays healthy and plays at his own level.
– I have been able to win with the national team. It’s always cool to be involved. Of course, the national team is always interesting, the team that has played in four World Cups and two Olympics is thinking.