World Cup players told how they charge their batteries when the most important games approach.
The Lions had a break on Sunday, during which the players were quite free to break away from World Cup hockey and recharge their batteries.
During the long World Cup tournament, recovery both mentally and physically is important, and other teams have also organized a program for the duration of the tournament.
The German team playing in the Tampere group went to a smoke sauna on the shore of Lake Näsijärvi.
– We got to a Finnish sauna on the shore of a beautiful lake. It was a great breath-taking event, the German NHL forward JJ Peterka glowed.
Something that seemed ordinary to Finns stuck in the mind of the 21-year-old German.
– I have been in a sauna many times before, but this was the first time in a Finnish sauna. It was cool to go straight into the lake from it.
In addition to ice skating, JJ Peterka has been able to enjoy Tampere. PASI LEISMA
Bubble in memory
The World Cup trip takes a couple of weeks for many players, so the importance of doing things that are meaningful but restorative is emphasized.
On the other hand, the players are professionals in hotel life.
– I already know from the NHL how to keep myself fresh. There are a lot of games and you understand what needs to be done to stay focused and ready for the next game. It’s great to spend time at the hotel and see guys you haven’t been with for a long time, Peterka said.
Peterka was also at the World Championships two years ago in Riga, but at that time the competitions were organized in the corona bubble. As accustomed as the players are to hotels, Peterka said frankly that it was “deep down”.
– This year is much better. Two years ago, we were in the hotel all the time and we saw a beautiful city from the window, which was not accessible. Now we get to have dinners and have fun together.
Peterka has also found Finnish company in his free time, as he has spent time with his Buffalo Sabres’ teammate, the goalkeeper Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen with.
USA concentrates
The top name in the USA team’s internal point exchange Rocco Grimaldi was sold in North America recently, and the man said that he has now spent almost three months of his life in the hotel.
– It’s easy for me, Grimaldi said and laughed after Sunday’s game against France.
The Americans have also held events to raise team spirit, but they focused on the time before the tournament.
Rocco Grimaldi plans to spend his day off very calmly. Petri Saarelainen / AOP
The team has a day off on Monday, but nothing special is planned.
– Everyone can do what they want. For example, you can get a massage if you want. Some people probably go for a walk around town, but I think a lot of people don’t do anything either.
Over the years, the USA team has been criticized for the fact that the players come to the World Cup tournaments on vacation. Grimaldi emphasized that this year’s team is focused on the essentials.
– Everyone is excited about the Sweden game. It is important to rest and focus on the next game.
Family members of the USA players traveled to Tampere a few days ago.
– On my day off, I probably just hang out in my room and watch movies. Maybe I’ll go for a walk with my wife. Gotta rest.
– We are not here to tour Europe. We are here to hopefully win gold and play hockey