New Rangers head coach brings years of experience to Kitchener

The Kitchener Rangers officially introduced Jussi Ahokas as the 25th head coach in team history on Wednesday.

Speaking at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, Ahokas shared his excitement over his new position.

“I’m absolutely thrilled, it’s a great opportunity,” said Ahokas. “I can’t be more excited, really waiting for the season to start, coming in, training camp, seeing all the new players.”

Ahokas said that he had hoped to coach in North America and when the opportunity arose, he didn’t hesitate in taking it.

“The only thing I’ve heard is what a great organization, and great hockey town [Kitchener is], and when I got the opportunity I said to my wife right away, ‘If we get that job, I’m going there.”

Ahokas previously spent 20 years coaching in Europe with much of that time spent with junior players. Rangers general manager Mike McKenzie said that was a key factor in hiring Ahokas.

“That was definitely a big box that we were looking to check,” McKenzie said. “Someone that is used to dealing with the age group of 16 to 20-year-olds, and understands how kids operate, and can coach them and care for them.

Ahokas most recently coached in the Finnish Elite League and discussed the difference between coaching juniors and professionals.

“You have to be a little bit more patient, there will be more mistakes for sure, but I think it’s all about growing the kids, and emphasizing getting them to be someday the best they can be,” he said.

Ahokas is best known in Canada for winning the gold medal coaching Finland at the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championships. He also won gold with Finland at the 2016 IIHF World U18 Championships.

“You are talking about first-round NHL picks, and guys like [Miro] Heiskanen, high-end players that he’s coached and stood in front of and developed,” said McKenzie.

When asked about his coaching style, Ahokas used the Finnish word ‘Sisu.’

“You don’t really have a comparison to it in English, but it’s close to grit,” said Ahokas. “That’s what I want, the team to work hard. We have to play structured, good, fast hockey.”

The Rangers open their preseason on Sept. 3 when they host the Oshawa Generals.

“Only thing you hear is what a great organization and what a great hockey town #Kitchener is. I said to my wife right away…if I get that job, we’re going there.” – Jussi Ahokas

Ahokas Presser: https://t.co/BhTXqAi4Fw #NewWave | #RTown pic.twitter.com/4eKIzkuWl0

— Kitchener Rangers (@OHLRangers) July 26, 2023