Despite his age, Sebastian Aho, who can play both centre and wing, is one of the top players on a talented Karpat Oulu club, and one of the biggest reasons the team is now hosting the Champions Hockey League Final.

by Jarkko Harjumaa and Miikka Jarvenpaa

OULU – Sebastian Aho, the 18-year-old forward of Karpat Oulu, is one of the top prospects playing in Europe right now. Coming off a great performance at the IIHF World Junior Championship, he has continued his hot play for Karpat since returning, and in Tuesday night's game he played centre for the first time in Karpat's first team, playing with Mika Pyorala and Team Finland linemate Jesse Puljujarvi. The line was on the ice for both of Karpat's goals in the game, helping them earn a tie to clinch home ice in the CHL Final on 9 February. He spoke after the game.

Karpat are in the Final. Your thoughts right after the game?

“Feeling great, of course. This is what we wanted. We have wanted to succeed in this tournament right from the start. It feels great that we’ve come this far but the job isn’t done just yet.”

How would you describe your game as a team?

“We played really well as a team. Our defence was tight. We didn’t concede that many scoring chances.”

You played as a centre for the first time in Karpat's first team. How was that?

“It was pretty fun. I had good wingers to pass the puck to. Mika is a balancing player who makes it considerably easier to play centre. Jesse is a fast skater so I don’t have to skate that fast since we have him rushing there. I don’t care which position I play. I’ll try to do my best to help the team win.”

The Final is here in Oulu. The stands should be packed. Your thoughts on the upcoming Final?

“It’s going to be an interesting game. It will be a tough match-up no matter who is coming against us. I bet that there will be a lot of people attending and a terrific atmosphere.”