Tag: Olli Jokinen

HIFK dismiss Olli Jokinen as Tommi Miettinen steps in

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

HIFK have dismissed head coach Olli Jokinen after what the club described as a poor start to the Liiga season. Tommi Miettinen will take over Jokinen’s duties.

Many messages expressed relief, welcomed Miettinen and described the decision as overdue, while others used Jokinen’s familiar post-match opening of congratulating the opposition to make pointed jokes about the coaching change.

Key Facts

  • HIFK dismissed head coach Olli Jokinen after a poor start to the Liiga season.
  • Tommi Miettinen will take over Olli Jokinen’s coaching duties at HIFK.
  • Some HIFK supporters expressed sympathy for Jokinen while arguing that his tenure had failed to gain momentum.

IHM Discussion

The announcement creates an immediate change at the top of HIFK’s coaching operation, with Miettinen assuming responsibility for the work previously handled by Jokinen.

Supporter reaction was notably direct. The comments were dominated by relief and approval, although one response also acknowledged disappointment that Jokinen’s spell had not worked out. Several fans referred sarcastically to his habit of opening post-defeat press conferences by congratulating the opposition, turning that phrase back on the outgoing coach and his successor.

Why It Matters

A head-coach dismissal is a significant intervention during a difficult opening to a season. HIFK have acted by replacing Jokinen with Miettinen rather than continuing with the existing arrangement, while the public reaction shows that a sizeable portion of the club’s online support had been waiting for a change.

Sihvonen urges HIFK to replace Olli Jokinen

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

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.

HIFK reshuffles top two lines before KalPa game

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Olli Jokinen has made significant changes to HIFK’s forward lines for the Saturday meeting with KalPa after the Helsinki side’s 3-2 overtime loss to Jokerit.

Daniel Mäkiaho, Iiro Pakarinen and Niko Huuhtanen will form HIFK’s new first line. Eetu Liukas, Jake Leschyshyn and Vincent Marleau make up the reshaped second unit.

There is also a new name in the HIFK line-up, with Lauri Sinivuori coming in as the centre on the fourth line. The changes arrive during a difficult start to the Liiga season for HIFK, who sit third from bottom with 10 points from 10 games.

KalPa will again be without star forward Jaakko Rissanen, while retaining the same group that played on Friday. Aleksi Klemetti, Elias Vilen and Juuso Mäenpää are set to skate on KalPa’s first line, with Stefanos Lekkas continuing in goal.

Key Facts

  • Olli Jokinen has altered HIFK’s first and second forward lines for the KalPa fixture.
  • Daniel Mäkiaho, Iiro Pakarinen and Niko Huuhtanen comprise HIFK’s new first line.
  • Eetu Liukas, Jake Leschyshyn and Vincent Marleau have been placed together on the revised second line.
  • Lauri Sinivuori enters the HIFK line-up as fourth-line centre.
  • HIFK have collected 10 points in 10 Liiga matches and are third from bottom after losing 3-2 in overtime to Jokerit.
  • KalPa will play without Jaakko Rissanen for a second consecutive game.
  • KalPa’s first line features Aleksi Klemetti, Elias Vilen and Juuso Mäenpää, with Stefanos Lekkas in net.

IHM Discussion

The scale of the change is notable because it affects both of HIFK’s leading forward units rather than simply making an adjustment lower in the line-up. Mäkiaho, Pakarinen and Huuhtanen are being given the assignment, while Liukas, Leschyshyn and Marleau move into a newly configured second unit.

Sinivuori’s arrival at centre on the fourth line adds another change to the forward group. Jokinen’s selections come with HIFK under pressure after a poor opening 10-game return, while the club’s leadership has publicly maintained its backing for the head coach despite supporters calling for his dismissal.

Why It Matters

HIFK need an improved response after their overtime defeat by Jokerit and a start that has left them near the bottom of the Liiga table. The revised combinations give the KalPa game immediate importance as a test of how the new forward units function.

For KalPa, Rissanen’s continued absence is a clear constraint, although the side will keep the same personnel used on Friday and retain Lekkas in goal.

Sihvonen calls for Olli Jokinen’s HIFK exit

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Olli Jokinen has come under sharp criticism after HIFK’s 3-2 overtime defeat to Jokerit in the Stadin derby, with hockey analyst Petteri Sihvonen calling for the club to dismiss its head coach.

Sihvonen argued that his case was not based solely on the derby result, but on what he described as HIFK’s chronically poor play. HIFK entered the game third from bottom in the Liiga table and remained there after the defeat.

HIFK were kept in the contest by Hugo Alnefelt’s saves and Daniel Mäkiaho’s two goals. Mäkiaho equalised late with HIFK’s goaltender off the ice, before Alexander Forslund scored the overtime winner for Jokerit.

As a possible replacement, Sihvonen put forward Ville Viitaluoma, while also raising the alternative of strengthening Jokinen’s coaching staff should HIFK retain their current head coach.

Key Facts

  • Petteri Sihvonen called on HIFK to dismiss head coach Olli Jokinen.
  • HIFK lost the Stadin derby to Jokerit 3-2 in overtime.
  • Daniel Mäkiaho scored both HIFK goals, including a late equaliser with the goaltender off the ice.
  • Alexander Forslund scored the overtime winner for Jokerit.
  • HIFK began the derby third from bottom in the Liiga standings.
  • Sihvonen suggested Ville Viitaluoma as a possible new HIFK head coach.
  • Viitaluoma, 45, is HIFK’s U20 head coach this season and an assistant coach with Finland’s under-18 national team.
  • The former forward is known as an HPK legend and also played for HIFK.

IHM Discussion

The immediate issue is not a confirmed coaching change, but the force of Sihvonen’s public assessment of HIFK’s situation. He maintained that the derby loss should not be viewed in isolation, arguing instead that the team’s underlying standard of play has been poor over a longer period.

His proposed responses were clear: replace Jokinen with Viitaluoma, or add coaching support to Jokinen’s staff if HIFK do not make a change. Viitaluoma would be a notable internal option given his current work with HIFK’s U20 side, alongside his role with Finland’s under-18 team, but neither route has been announced by HIFK.

Why It Matters

The defeat left HIFK in the lower reaches of the Liiga table and intensified scrutiny of Jokinen’s position. HIFK showed resilience in recovering late through Mäkiaho, and Alnefelt’s saves helped keep the derby close, but the overtime loss gave Jokerit the result.

For HIFK, the significance lies in the wider debate around the coaching set-up rather than in any confirmed decision. Sihvonen’s criticism has placed both Jokinen’s position and the composition of his staff under public focus.

Mini Q&A

Has HIFK dismissed Olli Jokinen?

No. Veeti Kantoluoto called for Jokinen’s dismissal, but no coaching change was announced.

Who has been suggested as a possible replacement?

Sihvonen proposed Ville Viitaluoma, HIFK’s current U20 head coach and an assistant coach with Finland’s under-18 national team.

What happened in the derby?

Jokerit beat HIFK 3-2 in overtime. Daniel Mäkiaho scored twice for HIFK, while Alexander Forslund scored the overtime winner.

HIFK’s physical approach raises structural questions after HPK win

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

HIFK opened their Liiga season with a 5-3 win over HPK, showing both a vibrant start and a determined finish. Eetu Liukas scored the 4-3 winner on a direct rush, while HIFK also struck on one of two third-period power plays. However, HPK’s compact five-man play controlled long stretches after the opening 10 minutes, exposing concerns over HIFK’s puck management, breakout support and winger positioning. Nineteen-year-old defenceman Ossi Sippola stood out for his composure on controlled exits.

Key Facts

  • HIFK defeated HPK 5-3 in the Liiga season opener.
  • The match featured a fast HIFK start, a middle period dominated by HPK, and a determined HIFK comeback that included two third-period powerplays, one of which produced a goal.
  • Eetu Liukas scored the 4-3 winning goal with a direct rush that beat HPK goaltender Jacob Crespín.
  • HPK, coached by Mikko Manner, played a tight five-man structure that helped it take control through the middle periods.
  • Sami Päivärinta scored to make the game 2-1 for HPK at one point.
  • Iiro Pakarinen finished a straight-attack to make it 2-0 earlier in the game.
  • HIFK’s play displayed a heavy emphasis on physical hitting and aggressive pressuring, including numerous hard checks.
  • HIFK used several trap sequences, often in a 1-2-2 shape with the top forward pressuring opposing breakouts.
  • Ossi Sippola, a 19-year-old HIFK defenceman, is singled out for composure and for choosing to pause for controlled exits at times.

IHM Discussion

HIFK’s opening and closing phases showed their attacking assets: big forwards able to occupy the crease, direct attacks towards goal and a late surge that turned the game. Yet HPK took control for long stretches after the first 10 minutes. Their compact five-man structure forced HIFK into hurried, short attacks and repeatedly pinned the red shirts in their own end.

Two habits were especially costly. HIFK often moved the puck forward too quickly when HPK had its structure in place, while outlet options for puck-moving defencemen were too often limited. Their wingers were frequently too high to offer support, making controlled exits and neutral-zone entries more difficult.

HIFK’s physicality also needs to work within the team structure. Heavy hits and aggressive pressure can create momentum, but an isolated hitter can leave the rest of the unit exposed when play turns. Sippola’s willingness to pause on the puck during delay starts offered a useful contrast, helping create a more controlled route through the neutral zone.

The opener showed resilience and attacking quality, but it also underlined the need for more consistent five-man decisions away from the puck.

Why It Matters

The balance between physicality and structure has immediate consequences in Liiga. Big hits and aggressive pressure can unsettle opponents and create momentum, but inconsistent spacing and hurried exits can hand control back to a compact opponent. HIFK’s winger depth and outlet support will be important if they are to turn promising possessions into sustained attacks rather than long spells in their own zone.

Mini Q&A

What was the final score?

HIFK won 5-3 against HPK.

Who scored the winning goal?

Eetu Liukas scored the 4-3 winning goal with a direct rush that beat HPK goaltender Jacob Crespín.

What tactical problems did the analysis identify?

HIFK were too quick to transition at times, lacked reliable outlet support for puck-moving defencemen and had wingers positioned too high relative to the team shape. Their aggressive hitting could also leave players isolated when possession changed hands.

Which HIFK player earned specific praise?

Defenceman Ossi Sippola, aged 19, was noted for calm decision-making and for occasionally choosing controlled delay starts to move the puck out.

How did HPK cause trouble for HIFK?

HPK, coached by Mikko Manner, used a compact five-man structure and cohesive play to take control for long stretches, forcing HIFK into short attacks and extended defensive-zone shifts.

Did special teams play a part in the result?

Yes. HIFK had two third-period powerplays and scored on one of them during the comeback.

Coach Mark Comment

From a coaching perspective, the core decision is one of balance. Physicality and aggressive forechecking are useful tools, but they must be integrated with reliable support patterns. Jokinen’s group needs clearer rules for when to commit to the hit and when to maintain a unit shape: wingers should understand when to drop to form safer passing lanes for a puck-moving defenceman, and the team must rehearse controlled delay starts so centre-ice crossings aren’t dependent on improvisation. Reduce the number of isolated high-risk hits and increase the number of two-man press actions that allow a teammate to cover the lane behind. That simple structural discipline would preserve HIFK’s edge without sacrificing defensive stability.

IHM Final View

HIFK began with a win and showed the attacking tools to hurt opponents, particularly through direct play and net-front presence. But HPK also exposed structural problems in the middle of the game. Better breakout support, more disciplined winger positioning and collective cover behind the forecheck would allow HIFK to retain their physical edge without giving up control so easily.