Before the Bruneck double: How far is the new Blue Team?

Jukka Jalonen is currently completing the second training camp of his young term in office with the Blue Team. For the Finn, it's all about getting to know his players even better.

11 December 2024

From: dl

Jalonen is someone who leaves nothing to chance. The 62-year-old has already had one-on-one conversations with each of his players. First of all, he wants to experience the players up close in training and in games. Jalonen is not one to shy away from bigger names. He wants his players to be in top shape and to have a job to do on the ice at all times.

The players have a lot of respect for the world champion coach. You can see that when you stop by the training camp in Bolzano these days. In the past, it wasn't always the case that the players were happy to join the Italian national team. At the moment, however, there is a certain euphoria and curiosity, especially since the 2026 Olympics are on their doorstep.

In contrast to the 4-nation tournament in Budapest, Jalonen and his assistant coach Stefan Mair on Thursday and Friday evening (both from 19.30 p.m.) in Bruneck against Hungary, new players are again available. Big names like Thomas Larkin, Damian Clara and Alex Trivellato are still missing. Jalonen wants to keep an eye on the Asiago cracks this time. The Blue Team still has around five months to form itself before the B World Championship in Romania (where they hope to return to the A group).