Shocking news from Tappara: Kari Jalonen quits immediately – here is the replacement
One of Finland’s most successful ice hockey coaches, Kari Jalonen, is ending his coaching career mid-season.
The club announced on Monday that the 66-year-old master coach, hired as head coach for Tappara this season, Fredrik Norrena, will take over as head coach for the remainder of the season.
Jalonen justifies his decision by citing a loss of motivation.
– I feel that drive has been a key force in my coaching career that has propelled me and my work forward. Now I notice that it has faded, and I have come to the conclusion that my coaching career is over, Jalonen explains his shocking decision in Tappara’s announcement.
Jalonen thanks Tappara for the opportunity and emphasizes that the club has arranged things according to his wishes. He describes the decision as a significant personal choice that he does not intend to discuss further in public.
Norrena, who has been working in Tappara’s coaching staff at the beginning of the season, will take on the leadership role while the rest of the coaching team remains unchanged. According to sports director Janne Vuorinen, the club trusts Norrena’s ability to continue the ongoing process.
Jalonen is among the most successful coaches in Finnish ice hockey. He won four Finnish championships and two Swiss championships as head coach, and led Finland to a silver medal at the World Championships in 2016. He guided the Czech Republic to a bronze medal at the World Championships in 2022.
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