Alexander Kozhevnikov, a two-time Olympic hockey champion, offered pointed remarks about Jokerit’s performance in the Kontinental Hockey League while addressing the critique voiced by the club’s ownership. His comments were carried by Match TV, adding weight to the ongoing debate surrounding the team and its trajectory within the KHL.
He remarked that politics has a way of intersecting sports, noting that Harri Harkimo sometimes speaks in public, and Finns are accustomed to straightforward, blunt commentary. Kozhevnikov attributed harsh words to the public discourse and insisted that those who fail to remember past contributions should not be surprised by any continued criticism. The message underscored a broader tension between ownership statements and fan expectations, highlighting that the current climate in Finnish hockey remains unsettled and highly scrutinized.
Harkimo had previously acknowledged disappointment with Jokerit’s results in the KHL, a candid admission that reflected the franchise’s struggles amid a shifting European hockey landscape. Jokerit and Dynamo Riga departed the KHL at the end of February 2022 due to political and logistical pressures arising from regional events, a development that reverberated through the league and its fanbase. The decision marked a significant moment in the balance of talent, travel demands, and competitive longevity for teams operating outside traditional hubs.
Finnish participation in the KHL has produced notable moments, including two appearances in the quarterfinals of the Gagarin Cup playoffs. The 2020/21 season saw Jokerit secure a strong second place in the Bobrov league standings, illustrating the depth of Finnish hockey talent and the competitive potential of these clubs when conditions are favorable. The shifting fortunes of the league over successive seasons have underscored the fragility and resilience of cross-border alliances within European hockey, shaping strategic decisions for clubs, players, and national programs alike.
In a broader context, the 2022/23 season culminated with CSKA earning the Gagarin Cup, clinching victory in a dramatic seventh game of the final against Kazan Ak Bars with a 3–2 scoreline. The goals for Kazan were delivered by Anton Slepyshev, Vladislav Kamenev, and Darren Dietz, while Kirill Petrov and Dmitry Voronkov also found the net, highlighting the high level of competition that defines the league year after year. The milestone came on the occasion of CSKA’s centennial, underscoring the storied history and enduring competitive spirit of Russian hockey at the top tier. This accomplishment resonated across the league, influencing how clubs gauge performance, investment, and development pathways for players seeking to compete at the highest level.
Earlier, Vyacheslav Fetisov weighed in with a defiant stance, urging a sense of reckoning among Jokersit’s leadership in response to the KHL-related controversies. The exchange between series of public statements and the reactions from club owners exemplifies how leadership narratives shape the public perception of teams inside and outside the KHL. This dynamic has become part of a broader conversation about accountability, fan engagement, and the responsibilities of team executives when addressing the league’s evolving challenges.