The legend is the strongest candidate for Ilves’ next head coach, but what kind of man is he as a hockey coach?
Raimo Helminen started as Ilves’ assistant coach on Monday. Photo from Friday from the Nokia Arena. Mika Kylmäniemi / AOP
“There’s no point in this number.” “Boys save well”. “Let’s disappear now, whatever comes.”
Appearing in public From Raimo Helmi, 58, could be characterized as a special man of modesty. Humble, willing to serve and a little satisfied, that is Uuno Turhapuro characteristics of an ideal spouse.
When Helminen moved into coaching shortly after his playing career at the end of the 2000s, many doubted whether he had the required leadership qualities and the ability to manage large entities.
Despite the TPS head coach season 2020–21 ending in silver, the question still has no concrete answer.
It is certain that the modest publicity shell is only a partial truth about Helminen’s personality.
– “Raipe” is very good and convincing with the team. Each player listens when he speaks. My work is a little different from my public image, says Ilves’ director of sports Timo Koskela.
Koskela is an expert in the game who leaves no stone unturned in the workplace. It is appropriate to ask why he hired Helminen Ilves to the coaching group in the middle of the season?
– Ilves is a big deal for him and he has undeniable proof of his work. It was seen that he can bring added value to our operations. There is no need to think about how he will fit into the coaching team or the organization. We had a clear order. We would be fools if we didn’t take this opportunity, Koskela answers.
Why wasn’t recruitment done after last season?
– We have been told where Raipe has gone. As far as I can see, he didn’t find the opportunity he wanted, commented Koskela.
– Sometimes it’s good to make changes when things are going well, he continues.
From the outside, it is easy to conclude that Helminen’s washing is a vote of no confidence in the head coach A crowd for Myrra.
– He certainly won’t bite anyone’s chair leg. This is a win-win situation.
A man in overalls
Raimo Helminen uses a lot of sound during training. Stock photo. Mika heather
Filer of details, passionate and loyal to the end.
That’s how those who worked with coach Helminen describe it.
– A completely different man than in public. If necessary, Raipe screams like crazy, one player who was under Helminen’s coaching estimates.
In Kaukalo, Helminen was a turner.
– As a coach, he is a man in overalls. Very enthusiastic and hard-working, and not afraid to take matters into his own hands and help the players, Koskela states.
When Helminen coached Ilves in the 2010s, he liked to run his players. In rainy weather, the coach announced that “it’s nice to run when there is a lot of oxygen in the air”.
– Boys should still run, Helminen laughs now.
A sequel coming?
This is where Raipe latty starts. Stock photo. Mika Kanerva
Myrrä’s contract with Ilves expires after this season. It is difficult to see that the man who has been the head coach since the fall of 2019 will continue.
Helminen would be a logical choice, because the Ilves background Jukka Jalonen and Lauri Marjamäki are attached at their current workplaces, and connected with tassel ears Mikko Manner is continuing in Sweden.
– Everyone knows what Ilves means to Raipe. Let’s say that everything is possible, but not obvious, Koskela spins.
Are you Ilves’ head coach next season, Raimo Helminen?
– No no no. Now let’s try to survive this season, Helminen answers.
Mouths in ears
The people of Ilves had reason to rejoice on Friday. Mika Kylmäniemi / AOP
The first Tampere Local Match of the 2022–23 season did not make it to the classics.
Ilves won the match 3–0 (0–0, 1–0, 2–0).
After the match, Helminen, who was relieved, had mouths in her ears.
– It’s always nice to win a local game. But it is always more special for the player. It’s the work that’s done, not the coach.
Ilves has dominated the Tampere locals for the last three seasons: last season the series points went to Ilves 13–5, the previous season 12–3 and in the 2019–20 season 12–6. Before this, Tappara was crushing, as Ilves’ previous dominance was from the 2009–10 season.