203-centimeter Marko Anttila going wild: “This is a contact sport”

On Thursday morning, the Lions’ players prepared for tonight’s Canadian quarter-final at the Nokia-arena, each in their own way. A few players went on the ice, but the majority chose other activities.

Media duties fell to the team’s oldest players Atte Ohtamaa35, and To Marko Anttila37.

– The nature of the tournament always changes a little at this point. The concentration will certainly improve a little and maybe the tension will also increase. You just have to be able to handle it and you have to bring out a relaxed but combative and a little mean character. You also have to enjoy it, because these are great games, Anttila predicts.

The 203-centimeter Anttila has seen deliberate actions in the playoffs in previous tournaments, with which the man has tried to get under the opponent’s skin. A little malice can be seen even today.

– It probably comes from wanting to give everything. And this is a contact sport, so you have to try to shake your opponent in that direction as well. However, you should not do anything that harms the team, but stay within the framework.

Puck to the goal

Along with Finland, Canada is one of the biggest teams in the tournament. In terms of both weight and height, both teams are in the top three.

When you combine this with traditional Canadian hockey, it can be assumed that the twist will be wild.

– It’s a pretty strong legacy there that they play quickly upwards, throw the puck at the goal and the guys come after, said Ohtamaa, who played his first World Cup tournament in 2014 and also faced Canada in the quarterfinals at that time.

– You can definitely twist today. Canada has top players and guys who are used to screwing up in front of the goal.

Game day pasta

Anttila emphasized the fighting look, but also that Finland must be able to match Canada’s hair-raising play and skating.

– In this tournament, there have been quite a lot of teams that put a lot of pressure on. Those situations just have to be solved in cooperation. Before that, the support measures need to be put in order, so that we can take some of the speed away from the Canadians and our defenders can get their own loose pucks at a good speed, Anttila said.

– It’s still pretty basic hockey.

After the morning jog, Anttila planned a nap and game day pasta.

– It’s always bolognese on game day, with some chicken on the side.