Story Summary
Pekka Jormakka has said his return from Slovakia to Liiga action with Jukurit has meant a significant reduction in his net income, despite the greater financial incentive available in Zvolen.
The forward, who is on trial with Jukurit, said he would have taken home almost twice as much after tax in Slovakia. However, Jormakka said he wanted to return to Finland to be with his family.
Jormakka played six matches in Slovakia. The club attributed the separation to insufficient performances, while Jormakka said his agent told him the club had wanted to extend his trial by one month. He said that extension was not an option for him.
Jukurit head coach Jonne Virtanen then contacted Jormakka with an opportunity to show what he could do in Mikkeli, where the forward had previously spent three years. Jormakka now lives in Mikkeli with his family and is seeking a player contract after appearing in three scoreless games for Jukurit.
Key Facts
- Pekka Jormakka is playing on trial with Liiga side Jukurit and is seeking a player contract.
- Jormakka said his net earnings in Slovakia would have been almost double those available in Finland because of taxation.
- He played six matches in Slovakia before returning to Finland.
- Jormakka said he wanted to be closer to his family, while the Slovak club cited insufficient performances as the reason for the separation.
- Jormakka said his agent told him the Slovak club wanted to extend his trial by one month, but he did not wish to continue it.
- Jukurit head coach Jonne Virtanen offered Jormakka the chance to prove himself in Mikkeli, where he had previously played for three years.
- Jormakka has played three games for Jukurit without recording a point and now lives in Mikkeli with his family.
IHM Discussion
Jormakka’s account presents the move as a personal and professional decision rather than a straightforward financial calculation. He has openly acknowledged the higher potential take-home pay in Slovakia, but said the chance to return to his family in Mikkeli carried greater weight.
There are differing accounts of how his Slovak spell ended. The club linked it to his performances, whereas Jormakka said he was informed by his agent that a one-month trial extension had been offered. Jormakka’s position is that he chose not to take that extension.
For Jukurit, the arrangement gives the club an experienced forward a chance to demonstrate his value in familiar surroundings. For Jormakka, the trial remains exactly that: three appearances without a point and no confirmed contract.
Why It Matters
The story underlines the practical pressures behind player movement in European hockey. Salary and tax conditions can create a substantial difference in earnings, but family circumstances can be equally decisive in shaping a player’s next step.
Jormakka’s immediate focus is his trial in Mikkeli. His prior connection to the city and the direct approach from Virtanen have given him an opportunity to pursue a Liiga deal, but his place beyond the trial has not been confirmed.