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🇫🇮 Finland /Sports

Ice Hockey: Mikko Manner notices Antti Pennanen's increased confidence

From Helsingin Sanomat · () Finnish

Translated from Finnish and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Finland's national ice hockey team, the Lions, has started the World Championship with a series of wins.
  • Assistant coach Mikko Manner noted a significant increase in head coach Antti Pennanen's confidence compared to previous seasons.
  • Manner believes the team's bronze medal at the Milan Olympics was a turning point, boosting morale and performance.

Finland's national ice hockey team, known as the Lions, is enjoying a strong start to the World Championship, securing victories consistently. Head coach Antti Pennanen appears notably more confident and composed than in past tournaments.

Assistant coach Mikko Manner observed a marked improvement in Pennanen's demeanor. "It feels like Antti's confidence has grown, and he's at his best right now. It's been great to see," Manner commented. He suggested that Pennanen's confidence has visibly increased, contributing to a positive atmosphere within the team.

It feels like Antti's confidence has grown, and he's at his best right now. It's been great to see.

· Mikko MannerAssistant coach Mikko Manner on the noticeable change in head coach Antti Pennanen's confidence.

Manner pointed to the bronze medal won at the Milan Olympics in February as a pivotal moment for both the team and Pennanen. Prior to the Olympics, Pennanen's tenure as head coach had faced criticism, particularly after the team's quarterfinal exit in the previous year's World Championship. The Olympic success appears to have revitalized the team and its leadership.

Every coach and coaching team needs successes to bring out the best possible version of ourselves. I think we are on the right track. The Olympics and performing well there were great. It has certainly helped our whole team and Antti to enjoy it.

· Mikko MannerAssistant coach Mikko Manner reflecting on the impact of the Olympic success on the team and coach Pennanen.

"Every coach and coaching team needs successes to bring out the best possible version of ourselves," Manner stated. "I think we are on the right track. The Olympics and performing well there were great. It has certainly helped our whole team and Antti to enjoy it."

Manner, who also serves as head coach for HPK in the Finnish Liiga, is in his tenth consecutive season as an assistant coach for the national team. He has worked with three different head coaches, noting that the initial period with a new head coach often involves a settling-in phase. However, he emphasized the importance of enjoying the coaching role and the opportunity to lead the national team, despite the immense responsibility.

Really, this coaching should be enjoyed. With you guys too," Manner grinned at the reporters.

· Mikko MannerAssistant coach Mikko Manner expressing his philosophy on enjoying the coaching profession.
About this summary

Originally published by Helsingin Sanomat in Finnish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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