Mission accomplished

August 31 last year we wrote to our blog with headline ”There is talent”. Now when our mission is over and Estonia has earned spot at next season Div-I level it is easy to say that we were correct – There is talent. Our players really deserved to win the tournament last week. These Estonian hockey players were dedicated, skilled and worked hard. It was a privilege for us to coach this team.

Now that players have earned the spot on Div-I for Estonia it is time that management starts respecting players and treating them right. It is amazing that these players have been able to play at high level when their management has not done their job. Things are not working from very simple things like having transportation on time or water at the bench to much bigger issues like getting them proper training conditions.

We sincerely hope that Estonian hockey will have management in the future that can raise funds and take care of their players, the most important people in Estonian hockey.

Once again our sincere thanks to all players and people who helped Team Estonia to reach its goal and best of luck in the future.

Ismo & Jukka

Grande finale

Team Estonia and its members have 3 periods of hockey left this season and what can be better than playing for the championship at home tournament in front of the home crowd on a TV-game! If this does not fire up us as a team, then nothing does. It is not often that this kind of opportunity represents itself, so we will enjoy this as a team.

Before we face Romania tomorrow we have to “kill” the 2nd off day of the tournament. We have decided not to go on the ice as team has already played 4 games this week and practiced on the ice daily. Now it is time to recharge our batteries and start concentrating on the game.

Bottom line is that Romania is a good opponent, but team Estonia has the skills and players needed to win them as long as we play as a team and stick to our game plan. It will not be easy, but we can do it. Come support us here at Narva or cheer behind your TV at home while we do everything possible to give Estonian people a good hockey show to finish the season!

Ismo & Jukka

Becoming a team...

Team Estonia has 2 games left and we are at the last stages on the process on becoming a team. We all feel that we have a very good chance to win this tournament, but it does require that we take the last steps and start to play as one unit where every player is helping his fellow teammate to play better and better.

For most part we have improved on this and like last night against New Zealand (17-0 win) we had several players who did take great strides forwards, while a few players “enjoyed” more bench time than usual. Tonight we have to take those final steps on becoming a team so that we are 100% ready to play against the good Romanian team on Friday.

Ismo & Jukka

For the crest in front…

…not the name in back

This is our mission, to play as a team for Estonia and win the tournament. Team Estonia has the skills and players to do this as long as all players play for the team. Last night’s game against Israel (17-3 win) was a good demonstration what happens when we play as a team, although that was just the opening game and we still have a lot to improve.

Tonight’s game against China is going to be a lot tougher game as Chinese team is several notches better than our first opponent and they actually gave Romania a run for their money on the opening game.

One of the ways for us to show our commitment for the teamwork is award our game best player based on the individuals effort for the team, no matter what role they are playing. So we will not make the highest scoring player automatically our best player of the game like things have usually been done.

Thanks for everyone’s support for Team Estonia

Ismo & Jukka

Let the games begin...

Moving from Tallinn to Narva and first day here at the tournament venue is now behind us. Team did good on the workout today while we did a few adjustments to our lines and special teams with Andrei Makrov who joined our squad early Friday morning.

Now it is time to get pumped up for the opening game tomorrow against Israel. As coaches we believe on our team and know that boys will make Estonian hockey fans proud. Come and support our team here at Narva during the next week if you have a chance, boys will appreciate it.

Ismo & Jukka

Rising like a missile...!

Not quite like that, but Team Estonia is getting closer for being ready for the upcoming D-II World Championships. Although the headline is accurate as we have been skating in a rink that has been built into on old Soviet missile factory where it can actually rain indoors during the practices. Players have worked hard and despite the conditions, sore throats, flooding locker rooms etc they are all in good spirits & enthusiastic. This is why we are here, to help these guys that have passion and desire to play for this team.

It’s great to work with people that have passion for the game and don’t need to be pampered. Although the team is working well and getting better it is also evident that management and leadership for Estonian hockey has to also raise the bar for their own work. If everyone can improve on their own job and work with the best interest of the sport in their mind, the great game of hockey will grow at Estonia too.

Tonight we will face Finland that is a tough opponent for us. This game will be a good experience for our players and an honor for all of us to be part of this historical event. No matter what the score will be after the game we are sure that our team will go to the tournament at Narva with humble attitude and ready to play for the crest in front of our jerseys, not the names on the back!

Ismo & Jukka

Next opponent Team Finland...

Only a few days left before Team Estonia will start it’s training. The highlight of the camp will be the game against team Finland at Tallinn / Premia next Wednesday. It is a tough opponent for us, but we will really see then who can skate at the high level and is ready for the tournament.

Us coaches are working on finetuning camp plans, playbook etc while equipment managers and other staff members are also busy with preparations trying to ensure that our players can focus on their job of putting the best possible performance on the ice for the team.

We are really eager to get started on Monday.

Ismo & Jukka