Tomek Valtonen: here is the Jokerit goal for the league's super season

Jokerit starts the league’s super season from interesting positions. Expectations are always high for the iconic club, but on the other hand, Jokerit is playing at the top level for the first time in four years, and the transformation from a Mestis club to a Liiga club is not a simple feat.

The head coach of Jokerit, Tomek Valtonen, revealed in an interview with SuomiKiekko what Jokerit’s goal is for their return season.

– Last year the aim was to get as many players as possible for this season. Now our goal is to make the playoffs, if we talk purely about results, Valtonen states.

What kind of hockey does Valtonen want to see from his team on the ice?

– We want to play strong collaborative hockey, which includes rhythms and structures of playing together. We want to be very active in the big picture while being sensible at the same time.

Last time Valtonen coached Jokerit in the Liiga was in the 2013-14 season when he was promoted from the assistant coach position to head coach, replacing Tomi Lämsä, who was fired. Valtonen feels he has changed significantly since those days.

– Of course, leadership is different. I think I can focus on the things I can influence and not worry about everything. I have gained patience, and having seen different cultures and ways of working, it always broadens one’s perspective and provides experience. Experience cannot be bought, and it is really undervalued, Valtonen says.

For the 2026-27 season, the stakes are high. The three weakest teams will be relegated to the so-called B-league, while the 14 best will continue in the A-league. Nevertheless, Valtonen does not see anything extraordinary in next season.

– Yes, every year has a high stake. The team, athletes, and coaching staff always do the same work. There’s nothing new for me in the fact that you can drop down and rise again. That’s pretty much the case in all ball sports leagues, and it’s completely normal, Valtonen says.