Ketterä, which has received a cold reception, is seeking a league spot - "The significance would be enormous"

Helsinki’s Jokerit increased Imatra’s Ketterä’s troubles on Good Friday in a match played at Veikkaus Areena, winning decisively with a score of 5–0. SuomiKiekko interviewed Ketterä’s head coach Teemu Asikainen after the game.

Ketterä, which performed strongly in the first two final games, clearly fell behind in the third match. However, Asikainen emphasizes that the final score does not tell the whole truth about the game’s course.

– The first period, even though it was 3–0, wasn’t as bad as the score suggests. Two puck losses at the offensive blue line led to goals, and one went in off a bounce.

– It’s quite difficult to catch up when you give a three-goal lead against such a team, Asikainen adds.

According to Asikainen, the Helsinki team has made the final series difficult for the small Ketterä.

– Jokerit has been a tough opponent. The first couple of games were close, but in this game, there weren’t really any chances after the start.

League License

Ketterä is applying for an SM-liiga license for the upcoming season. The club is a perennial success in Mestis and a three-time champion from 2019, 2021, and 2022. The application has raised some eyebrows in hockey circles, but according to the head coach, it was not made for fun.

– This opportunity has arisen, and the club has decided to take advantage of it. It’s important to think about the sporting aspect. The players have earned a promotion from Mestis, so why shouldn’t we apply for a spot when the opportunity exists.

The possible rise of the Imatra team to Finland’s highest league could bring new momentum to domestic ice hockey. Asikainen sees elements in the situation that could even lead to a small-scale Cinderella story.

– I would definitely see the possibility of a certain kind of Cinderella story. We are really serious about this. The clear goal is to secure a spot in the League.

In South Karelia, where about 130,000 people live, there is already one league club, Lappeenrannan SaiPa. Imatra has just over 20,000 residents. According to Asikainen, an SM-liiga spot would be a matter of the heart for the city.

– The significance would be enormous for the city; I can’t even imagine it. It would be a big deal.

Ketterä’s season continues today, Saturday, as the final series is on the line for Jokerit at Lappeenranta’s Kisapuisto.

Asikainen believes his team can reset Friday’s loss before the upcoming challenge.

– We have had all kinds of events throughout the year. The team is very capable of resetting and leaving the outside noise outside. I believe that in the upcoming match, we will be a completely different team.