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AJH Partners with Finnish Ice Hockey

By Staff, 08/04/16, 3:30PM MDT

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FIHA Youth Manager Coming to Aspen for 16-17 Season

Aspen Junior Hockey has taken giant leaps to quickly become a world-class leader in youth hockey player development.  In 2016-17, the Leafs are partnering with the Finnish Ice Hockey Association, employing Finland’s Manager of Youth Hockey Operations Kalle Valiaho.  Coach Valiaho, who is one of the most influential coaches in international youth hockey, plans to take a six-month sabbatical from his position in Finland, and immerse himself exclusively in Aspen for the season.  He will work in partnership with AJH Executive Director (Shaun Hathaway) strengthening the age appropriate curriculum and long-term athletic development plan offered by the Leafs.

This unprecedented partnership between the Finnish Ice Hockey Association (FIHA) and Aspen Junior Hockey is a proud moment for USA Hockey, the national governing body.  “Being the Rocky Mountain District ADM regional manager, one of the best parts of the job is helping youth hockey programs become world-leading programs within their community,” stated Joe Bonnett of USA Hockey. “I have watched Shaun Hathaway and his staff work with conviction and excellence to improve Aspen Junior Hockey significantly over the past three years and become leaders of youth sport in their region. By adding a mentor coach and FIHA coach in Kalle Valiaho, AJH again has demonstrated a commitment to continual improvement and continues to raise the bar for their athletes.”

Since 2009, Kalle Valiaho has worked as a regional coach, responsible for two of eight FIHA regions.  He has been an International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) mentor coach since 2007.  His youth coaching experience includes time in Finland, Hungary and China.  In 2006, Coach Valiaho graduated from the prestigious Haaga University in Vierumaki, Finland with a BS in Sports and Leisure Management.  In December 2016, he is expected to complete his Masters degree in Sport Studies.

The Finnish Ice Hockey Association organizes and operates youth hockey in Finland with 72,176 registered players last season (compared to 542,583 registered US players).  With a relatively small population, the success of Finnish hockey is extraordinary.  Men’s and Women’s hockey in Finland is currently ranked #3 in the world. In the recent NHL draft, the first 3 of 5 players selected come from Finland.  With similar small Nordic communities that promote multiple sports and a healthy lifestyle, incorporating the Finnish model into the AJH curriculum will greatly benefit both players and coaches, and will make an impactful and lasting impression on the program for years to come.