Iltalehti’s ice hockey expert Pekka Virta reviews the hard work of finalist Tappara.
Tappara is playing in the SM league final for the second time during Rikard Grönborg’s three-year tenure as head coach.
The Swedish coach’s first season brought the championship in the spring of 2024. Last season ended in disappointment and a loss in the quarter-final series to Ilves.
Iltalehti’s ice hockey expert Pekka Virta praises the entire Tappara organization for its sensible operation at a critical moment.
– Success is a matter for the entire organization. A couple of years ago, they boldly sought a change and brought in a Swedish head coach. When Grönborg’s second season ended with a loss in the quarterfinals to Ilves, it caused negative talk. When everyone outside the club once again knew what to do, Tappara acted in a different way, says Virta.
How exceptionally does Tappara’s organization react under pressure? See Pekka Virtra’s full analysis in the video at the top of the story.
The final series of Tappara and KooKoo starts on Saturday in Tampere at 5 pm.
Tappara will play again in the SM league final. Kristian Tanus has scored 3+5 points in 11 playoff games. Petri Saarelainen / AOP
