Alex Lintuniemi has quickly become one of the most talked-about players in Mikkeli and Liiga. The 31-year-old Jukurit defenceman is known for his size, flowing mullet and willingness to carry the puck. Fans have embraced him, and T-shirts bearing his name are planned. Junior supporters also regularly call for him to try a lacrosse-style goal. “If there’s a chance, I’ll try,” he said, adding that he plans to grow his hair long again.
Jukurit were tipped to finish near the bottom before the season but have climbed towards the top of the league. Lintuniemi said the players knew they were a good team and pointed to their unity as a strength. He has also praised coach Jonne Virtanen, saying they quickly found common ground and that the coach can feel like one of the players.
After years in the Czech Republic and time in North America, Lintuniemi said he enjoys Liiga’s more puck-oriented style. His wife and nine-year-old child live in Espoo while he spends the season in Mikkeli. He said the new league format has made games feel like playoffs, with important stakes each night.