Antti Pennanen rejected the title of Lion King – praised Barkov with touching words: "Now I understand"

ZÜRICH. Antti Pennanen wrote his name into the golden books of Finnish ice hockey history on Sunday evening. Pennanen became only the third head coach to lead the Finnish national team to gold at the ice hockey World Championships.

Previously, only Curt Lindström and Jukka Jalonen, who celebrated World Championship gold three times at the helm of the Lions, have achieved this.

Although Pennanen has now risen to the status of a hero among Finnish ice hockey fans, the newly crowned world champion coach was not ready to take on the mantle of Lion King.

– Yes, Jukka Jalonen is still the Lion King, let’s hold on to that, Pennanen remarked amidst the gold celebrations.

Instead, Pennanen highlighted his gold team’s most important individual factor as captain Aleksander Barkov. The head coach’s words reflected immense respect for the Lions’ biggest star.

– Sasha has been incredible. I now understand why it is good to be on his team and why his teams succeed, Pennanen praised.

In the past two seasons, Barkov, who celebrated the Stanley Cup as captain of the Florida Panthers, impressed Pennanen primarily with his leadership.

– He is not mean, he is not difficult, he does not blame others for mistakes or anything else. Everyone can be themselves, really. He treats everyone well.

Another standout name from the Lions was the 20-year-old Konsta Helenius, who decided the World Championship final with his overtime goal. Pennanen predicts a bright future for the Buffalo Sabres forward.

– A natural talent. An amazing future. The way he is skilled and fast, and how good his game sense is, Pennanen listed the strengths of the young star forward.

The Lions’ championship celebrations will continue on Monday in Helsinki. The gold team will be celebrated starting at 6 PM in front of the Olympic Stadium at Mäntymäki field and Stadion Square.