Posted by Olli Hakala: ohakala@gigamail.nl on 27th October 2006 at 13:33 GMT
Posted from 84.250.42.31 (dsl-tkubrasgw1-fe2afa00-31.dhcp.inet.fi)
In reply to Re: Espoo Blues posted by Suomi Fan GB on 26th October 2006 at 07:31 GMT:
There was a big rivalry between TPS and Jokerit in the 90's. Jokerit was the bigger spender while TPS relied on young players, and that image that Jokerit created has stayed. They are still the team that has the cash to bring players they want. Despite this Jokerit has strong youth teams, coming up with players such as Teemu Selänne and Kari Lehtonen
I think the owner of the team had a lot to do with the anti-Jokerit feeling that is still alive. Specially in the 90's he spent a lot of cash and had no respect for opposing teams. During the 1995 playoffs he stated that none of the "teenagers from TPS" have the quality to play for his team. TPS went to win the championship, with a roster that included among others Saku Koivu (Montreal & team Finland captain), Jere Lehtinen (three time Selke trophy winner), Miikka Kiprusoff (Vezina trophy), Fredrik Norrena (Columbus), Kimmo Timonen (NHL All-star), Sami Salo (Vancuver) and the to-be Finland and Jokerit coach Raimo Summanen.