Intense pressure from the Joker fans - now Tomek Valtonen speaks

The Jokerit experienced a painful 2-3 loss to Ässät on Wednesday. The match was tied at 2-2 for a long time until Jokerit took a penalty in the last minutes of the third period and Cameron Hillis scored fortuitously for Ässät on the power play.

SuomiKiekko’s interview with Jokerit’s head coach Tomek Valtonen revealed that the loss is weighing on him.

– Of course, it’s frustrating. We were well in the game. Then a penalty like that at the end of the third period and the puck goes in off the stick. I would be lying if I said it doesn’t bother me. This is how it goes sometimes, Valtonen said.

For the Ässät match, Valtonen had revamped Jokerit’s lineups significantly. Did the changes bring anything extra to the team’s game?

– Yes, it did. We played strong offensive hockey today and the chemistry clicked a bit better. These lineups have also been in flux a lot, as we have players sidelined all the time. But that’s not an excuse in any way.

Jokerit’s goaltending has been a hot topic during the early season. On Wednesday, we saw the most solid performance in goal for Jokerit, as Olle Eriksson Ek made 20 saves and allowed three goals.

– I thought he was excellent. He played a good game, Valtonen praises the Swedish goalie’s performance.

Although the season is still young, emotions are already running high among Jokerit’s fans. During the crushing defeat in Rauma, fans waved shoes in the stands, which was interpreted as a call to fire Valtonen.

The fans’ sharp comments have not shaken Valtonen.

– It’s each person’s own decision what kind of feedback to give. Who am I to say whether it’s justified or not? Our job is to work. The players play, the coaches coach, and the fans cheer.