Ilves assistant coach Marko Ojanen has been appointed as an assistant coach of the Finnish men’s national under-20 ice hockey team. The U20 team’s coaching staff is led by head coach Tomi Lämsä.
Marko Ojanen will be out of Ilves’ activities during the U20 national team camps and tournaments. The 2023 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships are scheduled to be held from December 26, 2022 through January 5, 2023 in Halifax, Nova Scotia and Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada.
– After head coach Tomi Lämsä contacted me I discussed the matter with my family and the club management. It is always a matter of honor to represent Finland. The level of the game is very high at the under-20 national teams and the world championship tournament and I’m excited to join the coaching staff of the Finnish U20 national team, comments Ojanen.
Ilves sports director Timo Koskela says the appointment of Ojanen is an indication of the quality work the coach and the club have done.
– Marko Ojanen’s appointment to the coaching staff of the Finnish U20 national team is a great thing for the coach and the Ilves organisation. Wer are really happy for him and naturally gave our support to him to join the national team coaching, says Koskela.
– The quality of the game is very impressive at the U20 national teams and the world championship tournament. The tempo and the demand of the game tell about the trends of the sport. As a club Ilves will also benefit from this through Marko and we will get even more information to utilise at our club.
