Aitio: A massive transfer is now brewing around the Jokers

The Jokers’ weak start to the season has sparked speculation about Tomek Valtonen‘s position as head coach.

The team, which was promoted to the league this season, has begun its campaign with three losses. The team has one point, placing them second to last in the standings.

Valtonen faced harsh criticism from the team’s fans during the recent 2–7 loss to Lukko. Supporters who traveled to Rauma waved shoes in the stands as a message that they hope for the head coach to be fired.

The Jokers’ season continues on Thursday with a home game against JYP. After that, they will face the reigning champion Tappara on Saturday and Pelicans next Tuesday.

Aition hockey expert Petteri Sihvonen believes that the Jokers should have already considered Valtonen’s position before Thursday’s game.

– I think the Jokers have had, and still have, time to evaluate Tomek Valtonen’s position.

Sihvonen raises a strong alternative for the Jokers

If the Jokers decide to change head coaches, Sihvonen suggests an exceptionally strong name: Jukka Jalonen.

The 63-year-old Jalonen, who last coached the Italian national team, is currently involved in the filming of the Diili program. According to Aition, the filming will conclude at the end of September.

Sihvonen believes the Jokers should seize Jalonen immediately if he is available.

– Me? If I were in Mikko Saarnin‘s (the Jokers’ chairman) shoes, I would hire Jalonen right away without hesitation if he is available, Sihvonen asserts.

Jalonen himself has left the door open for continuing his coaching career. He mentioned in Aition’s Sihvonen 1vs1 podcast in June his desire to coach a top team at the club level.

– It would be nice to coach a truly top team at the club level someday. The hockey world is small. I have been in contact with some clubs. If something unfortunate happens, leading to coaching changes, I suspect someone will call, Jalonen said.

At the same time, Jalonen made it clear that he is not ready to take just any position.

– If something comes up that really interests me, I will listen with keen ears. I don’t have that kind of compulsion to coach.

Sihvonen takes the speculation even further. According to him, Valtonen’s position is seriously threatened if Jalonen is available to the Jokers.

– If Jalonen is available and if there have already been initial contacts made with him from the Jokers’ side, only a miracle can save Valtonen.

Thursday’s game against JYP is the next test. According to Sihvonen, Valtonen’s time may be running out if the course does not change.

– Otherwise, Jalonen or someone else will replace him, Sihvonen concludes.

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