He is a true Finn in appearance and soul. However, he also speaks solid Czechoslovakia. He spent almost nine years in Bratislava, Vsetín, Znojmo or Brno. Sasu Hovi (39) enjoys the hockey championship at home in Tampere as a scout and a big fan.
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“But if the Slovaks win today, the world will not collapse. Better than if the Swedes defeated us, “laughs the former goalkeeper support of Slovan Bratislava.
The favorite is clear. What is the chance that Slovakia will succeed?
Everything can happen. The quarterfinals are about one match and the Slovaks played really well last time. I don’t think it’s going to be easy, your players have shown that they can be dangerous. We are the favorite, but it can easily be a balanced match. I even see it that way.
Could the Finns have a concern for the 7: 1 win over Denmark?
The Danes played a great match against Canada, when the Slovaks gave them seven, they had to play great. Each team comes to the tournament in some form and gradually graduates. I have a feeling that the Slovaks have improved more significantly than the Finns in the last two weeks.
And do Finns have anything to improve at all? After all, they were unbeatable in defense in the group…
Of course. Well, they played an excellent match against the Czechs, I think it was also according to the coach’s ideas. I expect that it will be similar against the Slovaks. Of course, in terms of quality, it is primarily on our side, but if we are not careful, it may not turn out well. Your players know how to torment the strong.
Goalkeeper Juho Olkinuora has an incredible success rate at the championship – about 99 percent. Will the Finns rely on him on Thursday?
On the defensive as a whole. Our mentality is not only to play forward, but above all backward. In terms of defense, the Finns have the best team at the World Cup. Olkinuora is in a fantastic position, it is very difficult to score a goal. Well, if we want to advance, we have to shoot some.
You used to be one big Kingdom of Sweden, how is it possible that the Finns play such defensive and the Swedes play creative and offensive hockey?
This is a difficult question, it is probably in our mentality. It’s always been that way, even though I started with pros. The coaches repeated that you can attack, you must defend. The defense comes first. Every player has always had to defend. It didn’t matter if anyone was a star, the defense was a duty. It’s been at least twenty to thirty years.
Do Finns by nature have to underestimate an opponent?
I do not think so. Finally, the Slovaks took a warning finger against the Danes, the Finns certainly know about it. Nothing underestimated. Mentally, they will be absolutely ready. For an excellent opponent and hockey. What may be in favor of Slovakia is enormous pressure.
We play at home in Tampere, in our hockey cradle, everyone here is waiting for a fight for medals. However, if one of the Slovaks scores a quick goal, or two, then the Finns can get nervous. That would be a lot of stress. The opening goal will be very important.
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How do Slovaks affect you so far?
They came with young players, every match means a lot to them. They are improving day by day, which is why I think they will do their best in the quarterfinals at the championship.
There is a lot of talk about Juraj Slafkovsky, do you already see him as a leader?
I’ve been watching him for a few years, I know him very well. He made great progress, at the Olympics he was one of the best hockey players in the tournament. He is a great talent, he learns something new every day. It’s better than at the beginning of the season, even though we already knew what he could do. In Finland, we are not pushing for young players, we are in no hurry, but in the end it ended up being a valid player in TPS Turku.
How many rotations did you need before you realized what talent it is?
Not much. His skills quickly hit his eye, reading his hockey mind takes a little longer. Maybe a few matches. Juraj is robust, especially when I compare him to his peers. In this respect, he is already ready for senior hockey.
Even in the NHL?
It’s still early, he’s a great talent with a future in the NHL, but he has nowhere to rush.
Will the match against Finland be exceptional for him?
Yes, he’s already played something here. He wants to prove his size. But just participating in the World Cup quarter-finals is very motivating.
Did you follow anyone else in Helsinki?
Everyone knows that the most interesting are Slafkovský and the Germans, they are really – for their age – exceptional players. However, we are preparing for the draft, it was not just about the two of them.
A few days ago, Samuel Buček signed a contract with Seattle, for which you work. Do you have your fingers in it?
I can’t comment on that, that’s our general manager Ron Francis. However, I was in Slovakia, watching mainly young players. I will recommend someone here and there. But I was also looking at Sam. (laughter)
If the Slovaks happen to advance, will you be the least disappointed Finn, as you have a nice relationship with Slovakia?
There will be something to it, it’s a cool duel for me. If the Slovaks win, the world will not collapse – I will be the least unfortunate Finn in the country. (smile) It’s much better than the Swedes should beat us, that’s perhaps the worst.
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Who will play in the finals on Sunday?
The match Finland – Czech Republic could be interesting. It’s my tip.
Can we look forward to a good hockey atmosphere in Tampere?
Write it, unlike Helsinki, it lives here. There will be noise before the match, the Finnish flag itself in the air. The atmosphere will be great, I can promise you that.
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