Virta has been averaging 16:21 minutes of TOI through the September CHL games but has only netted one goal in the first four contests. Have some things he’s been doing on the ice been slipping through the stats?

“I think so - I’ve been playing well, scored some points, had chances and put some decent passes to my teammates. I feel I could have scored even a few more points,” thinks the Finn.

Two-time Liiga winner and 2022/23 CHL Champion Virta has played in Finland, Sweden and even tested himself in the KHL.¨

Ahead of 2023/24, the Hämeenlinna-born forward made a move from Tappara Tampere to Germany’s ERC Ingolstadt. How has it been so far?

“This is a top-level league,” he said, “the DEL doesn’t fall behind the Finnish Liiga in practically anything, but the teams do play in a slightly different style here.” 

When playing abroad, it’s not just the game that changes, but also the environment, culture, language and habits. How has Virta adjusted to life in Bavaria?

“I like this place a lot, including the people here. They have welcomed me very nicely. I think it’s a little easier coming into a new team when you’re older and you’ve seen a few places. The experience has been very positive so far!”

Aside from German players, the Ingolstadt roster also features a good mix of other European nationalities. There are a few North American players as well.

“Our team has a good mix of players, we’re strong and have quality. But the same can be said for all teams in the DEL - there are many talented import players in this league,” thinks Virta.

How have Ingolstadt, who made their return to the CHL for the first time in seven years following a second-place finish in the DEL regular season and run all the way to the finals, approached the games in the pan-European competition?

“We’ve taken the CHL very seriously and aim to win every game we participate in,” started Virta, “it says a lot that we took a private jet to our away game in France. The club really puts effort into these games to try and get our schedules optimal.”

And when things are taken care of within the team, the audience also notices. Ingolstadt’s fanbase has been supporting them hugely – both at home and on the road.

“The fans seem to love these games. We had a game in Salzburg and there was like over a thousand of our fans. It felt like a home game. The fan culture seems to be great over here,” commented Virta.

The Finn represented Tappara for the last three seasons and was a part of the club’s CHL-winning team last year. Being crowned European Club Champions resonated throughout the club: “Winning the CHL last year was a big deal for each team member - from players to staff.”

Ingolstadt have played three games on the road, travelling to France, Austria and Czechia across Game Days 1-4. How has Virta enjoyed hitting the road with his new teammates?

“It’s cool being on the road with the guys, sharing some good stories and having dinner together. But I suppose you wouldn’t have the energy to do this all the time. It is important to be home sometimes,” he acknowledged.

The CHL introduced on-ice rule changes ahead of the season. What’s his take on them having played four games now?

“The rules are for sure an interesting experiment, but we haven’t had to pay much attention to them,” commented Virta, “however, I get to play a whole lot more powerplays!”

As an offensive-minded forward, Virta likes to develop different strategies and tricks within the given rules – whatever they might be.

“I spend a lot of time thinking about different parts of the game,” he said, “for example, face-offs are a big element of the game and need to be taken into account if a team wants to succeed on this level.”

“I came here to do well and be successful with this team – succeeding has always been a big factor in my career,” the 27-year-old ended.