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Kalervo KymmolaVice-President of the IIHF
Country:
 Finland |
Content:
- Vice President of the IIHF
- Negotiations with the KHL
- Financial Challenges
- Opportunities for Cooperation
- Expectations for 2012 and 2013 World Championships
- Vancouver Olympics
- NHL Compensation Agreement
- Soviet and Finnish Influence in Hockey
Vice President of the IIHF
Kaarlo Kummolla, the long-standing leader of Finnish hockey and Vice President of the IIHF, discussed various topics during a meeting at the headquarters of the Finnish Ice Hockey Association (FHA).
Negotiations with the KHL
Kummolla confirmed that discussions with representatives of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) regarding the entry of Finnish clubs into the league are ongoing. However, he emphasized that it is currently unlikely for Finnish clubs to join. Nevertheless, negotiations with KHL President Alexander Medvedev continue, and the idea of creating a Western European Division is being explored. The resumption of the Champions League is also under discussion.
"There are still some serious issues to be resolved," said Kummolla. "But as you know, never say never. It is possible that one day Europe will become one big hockey league, where world-class stars will play and grow."
Financial Challenges
When asked about the main obstacle to European clubs joining the KHL, Kummolla pointed to financial differences.
"Finnish clubs cannot boast of the same budgets as Russian clubs," he explained. "While KHL clubs have budgets of around 15 million euros, the budgets of Finland's top teams are around six million euros. European clubs find it difficult to attract large investments from sponsors without a good television contract, and everything is interconnected."
Opportunities for Cooperation
Kummolla suggested that organizing a tournament featuring Finnish and MHL youth teams could be a first step towards bridging the gap.
"Finnish and Russian juniors could play against each other more often," he said. "We are open to all negotiations."
Expectations for 2012 and 2013 World Championships
Finland will co-host the 2012 and 2013 World Championships with Sweden. Kummolla expressed his expectations for the tournaments.
"First and foremost, I expect record attendance," he said. "We hope that in 2012, the total number of spectators who visit the arenas in Helsinki and Stockholm will reach 650,000. That is a very impressive figure. And of course, we expect gold medals from the Finnish national team. It is a great opportunity for our players to become world champions, just like it is for the Swedes."
Kummolla also highlighted the importance of completing the construction of the arena in Tampere on time.
"As any other fan, I expect to see beautiful hockey," he added. "Just like at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver."
Vancouver Olympics
Kummolla praised the high level of competition at the 2010 Olympics."All seven teams that were traditionally considered favorites came with their strongest lineups," he said. "Add to that a solid Swiss team, and it was difficult to predict the winner in advance."
Kummolla acknowledged the disappointment of the Russian team but emphasized that he does not agree with those who see the Vancouver Games as the beginning of North American dominance in world hockey.
"Of course, Canada has always been strong, and American hockey has improved a lot in recent years," he said. "The US has many good young players, and their success at the youth and junior levels proves it. But I would not speak of North American dominance. There are still many talented and promising players in Europe. Now it is time for us to learn from the Americans."
NHL Compensation Agreement
Kummolla discussed the agreement signed between Finland and the NHL, which requires compensation to be paid to Finnish clubs when their players are invited to play in North America.
"The compensation is $200,000," he said. "It is not a large sum, but it is better than nothing."
Soviet and Finnish Influence in Hockey
Kummolla noted the trend of Finnish players and coaches going to Russia.
"This is just the way of the modern sporting world, which is international and breaks down all borders," he said. "I think hockey only benefits from this."
