TIMRÅ. Legendary goalkeeper Kimmo Kapanen has returned to Timrå as sporting director.
Then he admired Jacob Johansson, who made a major breakthrough among publications.
– He is the best goalkeeper in the SHL and holds the national team category, says the 48-year-old Finn.
There have been question marks about Timra’s goalkeeper side this season and last season.
Then Jacob Johansson stepped forward and wowed this spring and early this fall.
In the opening round against Frölunda in Scandinavia, the 29-year-old closed in again and outflanked stunning new possession Lasse Johansson in the opponent’s box.
In the opening match at home against the former Linkoping club, he played big and was one of the winning champions.
He won a goalkeeping battle against his close friend and WC goalkeeper Marcus Hojberg at Team Ostgotal.
Jacob Johansson plays steady and calm, I’m a fan. We know what he can do and last season already demonstrated how much he has developed as a goalkeeper. Kimmo Kapanen says he gives us the chance to win matches and that’s the goalkeeper’s job.
Praise from a colleague
Jacob Johansson started last season as the second goalkeeper behind Sami Rajanimi.
In November he assumed the role of first guard among the columns and never left this position.
– I met Sami Rajaniemi at home in Finland over the summer and he said Jacob Johansson is the national team class and I’ve now experienced it myself. In any case, he’s the hottest goalkeeper in the SHL at the moment and we hope he continues that way in a league with many top-level goalkeepers, says Kimmo Kapanen.
It was an important season
Jacob Johansson himself was put together and focused after his second straight win at the start of the SHL season.
– I did what was needed to win and that’s the most important thing. When players block shots and pull sticks, it becomes easier for me. It’s been an incredibly good start to the season, and now we have to build on it because it will require more,” says Jacob Johansson.
Last season was the first in the SHL who became the goalkeeper with the most number of games.
When Timrå won the playoffs against Djurgården with a score of 4-0 in matches, he was one of the most important players.
It was a very important season for me, it was a development to play many matches. It’s something I want to build on. It’s not just about what I do myself, it’s about the whole team and the tough defensive match we’re playing. Jacob Johansson says: “I can’t play well without the players.
“Goosebumps in the stands”
This season he has formed a pair of goalkeepers with David Rautio Bergoff, who also comes from Linköping.
Kimmo Kapanen replaced Kent “Nubben” Norberg after moving to the HV71.
The support store sells red and white T-shirts for a return with the text Olen palannut (I’m back).
Between 2001 and 2005 Kimmo Kapanen guarded the box office in Timrå and became a fan favorite.
In both seasons 2002/2003 and 2003/2004, Timra reached the semi-finals of SM.
In the opening game Thursday night, the entire standing room jumped on the short side during large parts of the match and eventually the entire stadium came to a standstill and applauded for the home team.
I got chills in the stands. It was boiling when the players got on the ice, it escalated into the first goal and got worse as the match went on. Kimmo Kapanen says it’s a good vibe like I’ve been playing here, you just have to try and enjoy it.
Saturday evening, Växjö awaits in the third round of the SHL.