Back with KalPa Kuopio, newly re-acquired winger Tommi Jokinen discusses his first game back with the club after four years, and what the team needs to do to go further in the CHL.
CHL News
KUOPIO – Winger Tommi Jokinen is a product of the KalPa hockey program, playing there at youth levels and beginning his professional career there almost a decade ago. After four years with Finnish rivals SaiPa Lappeenranta, 27-year-old Jokinen is back with KalPa Kuopio.
On Friday he will play his first game back with his new, old club. He missed KalPa's first two CHL games against Skelleftea AIK due to injury, but this weekend he will play the home and away games against the Vienna Capitals. There's no time to ease into it – KalPa must win both games in regulation time if they want to advance to the Round of 32.
On Wednesday he did a video interview with the club's website. The original interview can be seen HERE.
Tommi, it’s about time to get back in action after your injury. How does it feel to get back on the ice?
“It feels great. It’s like a second start for my season after the injury and I’m really excited about being back in the rink.”
What qualities are you bringing to your team? What are your personal strengths?
“I’m trying to bring something positive to every single aspect of the game. I also like to drive straight to the net and at the same time create some opportunities to score for my linemates Balazs Sebok and Jesse Mankinen.”
KalPa have a home game against the Vienna Capitals from Austria on Friday. What kind of opponent are you expecting?
“I haven’t really familiarized myself with their roster, but I think they will be a very experienced and hard-checking team. I don’t think they have as much speed as Skelleftea had, and maybe that’s our chance to make the difference.”
Then you head to Vienna on Saturday and you've already played there a couple years ago. What do you think of Vienna?
“It's sure a beautiful city. Last time we just got there, played the game and headed back to Finland, so we didn’t have time to hang around in the city at all, but the atmosphere in the arena was great! The fan culture is a bit different in Central Europe, but that’s how it goes.”
The Capitals have won twice against Skelleftea, so your backs are now against the wall because you need to win both games to clinch a spot in the CHL playoff round. How are you going to succeed in that?
“I believe that our game system is very good against this kind of team, because we play a different style than most of the teams in their own league. We need to remember to play at both ends of the rink and use our opportunities well.”