Story Summary
Petteri Sihvonen has called for HIFK to dismiss head coach Olli Jokinen, arguing that Jokinen lacks the means to put the Helsinki club’s play in order.
The analyst’s proposed replacement is Raimo Summanen, whom he described as a Finnish hockey legend and an internal answer to the club’s coaching problem. Sihvonen also directed criticism at sporting director Janne Laukkanen, saying he expects the recently appointed executive to address the coaching situation.
Key Facts
- Petteri Sihvonen has urged HIFK to replace head coach Olli Jokinen.
- Sihvonen argued that HIFK’s central problem is the absence of a functioning playing identity.
- He said Jokinen’s system at Jukurit does not suit HIFK’s current group of players.
- Sihvonen compared HIFK unfavourably with KooKoo and Jokerit, saying those teams at least have a clear structure to their play.
- Sihvonen named Raimo Summanen as his preferred successor to Jokinen.
- Sihvonen also questioned whether HIFK sporting director Janne Laukkanen would act decisively over the coaching situation.
IHM Discussion
This is an emphatic public intervention rather than confirmation of a coaching change. Sihvonen’s case is built around his view that HIFK lack a coherent system and that Jokinen’s approach is not fitting the current squad.
His criticism goes beyond results or a single match. By identifying playing structure, player suitability and sporting leadership, Sihvonen has framed the issue as one of direction across the club. His call for Summanen is equally clear, but it remains his personal recommendation rather than an announced HIFK plan.
Why It Matters
Coaching scrutiny carries particular weight when it centres on the team’s identity rather than a short-term run of results. If HIFK’s play is perceived to lack a recognisable structure, attention will naturally turn to how the coaching staff are organising the group and whether the sporting department shares confidence in that work.
The comments also place Laukkanen in the discussion. As sporting director, he has become the executive figure Sihvonen believes should respond to the concerns he has raised.
Mini Q&A
Who does Petteri Sihvonen want HIFK to appoint?
Sihvonen wants Raimo Summanen to replace Olli Jokinen as HIFK head coach.
What is Sihvonen’s main criticism of HIFK?
He believes HIFK lack a functioning playing identity and that Jokinen’s approach does not suit the current players.
Has HIFK confirmed a coaching change?
No coaching change is confirmed in the available information.
Coach Mark Comment
The key hockey point in this debate is the claimed fit between system and personnel. A team can simplify its game under pressure, but simplicity still needs repeatable support routes, puck-management options and clear responsibilities. The criticism directed at HIFK is therefore not merely about style; it is about whether the group has a framework it can execute consistently.
IHM Final View
Sihvonen has made his position unmistakable: he wants Olli Jokinen removed and Raimo Summanen installed at HIFK. No coaching move has been confirmed, but the force of the criticism ensures that HIFK’s playing identity and Laukkanen’s response will remain under close attention.