Ismo Lehkonen named new coach of Estonia

Estonia Federation announces 52-years-old Finnish Ismo Lekhonen as new headcoach of national team, replacing compatriot Sakari Pietila whose contract was not renewed despite the victory at World Championship Division IIa last year in Serbia. Lekhonen, who continues to coach Mestis team TuTo Turku, is back on Estonia bench after 5 years: in 2009-2010 he lead Estonia in winning campaign at home World Championship in Narva, finishing first in Division 2, group B.

Lekhonen signed a four-years deal and will supervise also all junior activities, beside the charge with senior national team. Hermanni Vidman - Lekhonen' s assistant at TuTo - and Märt Eerme will work as assistant coaches. Juri Rooba will be the General Manager

"I felt enthusiasm and the will to new challenges in the Estonian hockey. The new leadership at the head of the Federation gave me confidence that the work will be with an eye to the future, developing Estonian hockey from the roots. I'm going to involve in Estonia young and ambitious coaches"  - said Ismo Lehkonen - "I have already suggested some names as candidates for coaches of junior teams, people who could help local coaches, giving them their knowledge. If we are talking about learning, we have to consider all the components of modern hockey, starting with passes, skating and shot and ending with tactic"

"Everyone knows the excellent work done by Sakari Pietilä, our team returned to the first division. And we haven't any claims. But we chose Ismo Lehkonen because we all remember the great work done when he was here for the first time; his vision of hockey today is the most modern" said Estonian Federation President Rauno Parras.

Estonia will play at World Championship Division I-B at Eindhoven, The Netherlands, from 13 to 19 April, facing The Netherlands, Croatia, Great Britain, Korea and Lithuania

 

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