The Finnish Bandy Federation has awarded the best players of the 2018-2019 season in conjunction with the spring meeting.
Kimmo Kyllönen , goalkeeper in IFK Vänersborg, was chosen as the best male player of the year and Linda Lohiniva as the best female player .
Kimmo Kyllönen is the goal keeper of the Finland national team and playing for IFK Vänersborg in Sweden. Kyllönen comes from Mikkeli and is one of Elitserien’s best goalkeepers, and well suited to Vänersborg.
– It seems that the goalkeepers are just getting better when they get older. The bandy conditions in Vänersborg are excellent and the family enjoy the city. The arenas are a big reason why the Swedes are so good. The season is longer than in Finland due to the arenas. It would be great to end my career in Kampparit team, but not yet, Kyllönen says.
Linda Lohiniva comes from Haparanda. She has been playing bandy since the age of eight. In the last season, Lohiniva played for Västerås SK, settled her Swedish championship in Uppsala in the final in March. All in front of 6500 spectators, new Swedish record for female finals. Lohiniva was one of the scorers in the penalty shooting that gave Västerås the winning title.
– Previously, I played as forward in VSK, but this season the coach hoped to get even more out of me and turned me into a defensive midfield. The season was particularly sensational, as I learned to play a new role. I want to develop in the next season too. We will start ice exercises after the summer break in July and will focus on the Women’s World Cup in addition to the upcoming season, says Lohiniva.
Kimmo Kyllönen and Linda Lohiniva
Bandyliga Awards
Fair Play Prize – Veiterä
Most points for goals and assists – Kalle Lempinen, Kampparit, 60 points
Best scorer – Kalle Lempinen, Kampparit, 36 goals
The Referee Awards
Mats-Olof Gustafsson, Porvoo and Harri Pietiläinen, Varkaus
Coach Awards
Coach of the Year – Mika Hyppönen, JPS
Youth Coach of the Year – Teemu Laitinen, HIFK