Kari Makkonen

Kari Makkonen (born January 20, 1955 in Harjavalta, Finland) is a retired professional ice hockey player who played in the SM-liiga for Ässät.

Playing career
Kari Makkonen played his entire SM-liiga career for the Pori based team Ässät.

Makkonen also played in National Hockey League for one season. His team was Edmonton Oilers.

Makkonen retired from playing in 1991 and he was inducted into the Finnish Hockey Hall of Fame in 1995.

Coaching career
Makkonen coached his first seasons as coach in the Finnish Lower Divisions for Seinäjoki HT and Kotkan Titaanit.

Makkonen's first SM-liiga coaching job came when he coached Ässät for a short period. Makkonen also was employed by Lukko for some time before he was employed by Tappara as an Assistant Coach for Jukka Rautakorpi

Makkonen was the Assistant Coach in Tappara for several years, winning the SM-liiga Championships in 2003 and finishing second in 2001 and 2002.

Makkonen was in 2007-09 the Head Coach of Mestis team Jukurit, which is a top contender in the second highest level of ice hockey in Finland.