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Kari HeikkilaFinnish hockey player, coach
Date of Birth: 10.01.1960
Country:  Finland |
Content:
Kari Heikkilä: A Hockey Legend
Kari Heikkilä (born 1960) is a former Finnish professional ice hockey player and coach.
Playing Career
Heikkilä spent the majority of his playing career with Ilves, a Finnish ice hockey club. He briefly played in Sweden for HC Vita Hästen and Luleå HF, and in Italy, where he retired in 1994.
Coaching Career
Upon retiring from playing, Heikkilä embarked on a coaching career. In 1997, he briefly coached HPK before being dismissed. He led Kärpät to the SM-liiga championship title in 2004, and a silver medal in 2003.
He also had a successful stint in Russia with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl. In 2005, he guided them to a bronze medal, and to silver medals in 2008 and 2009.
International Accomplishments
On August 16, 2010, Heikkilä signed a three-year contract with the Belarusian Ice Hockey Association, becoming the head coach of their national team.
