The young Lions will have a rude awakening from the side of the ham at the World Cup tournament in Gothenburg. HIFK pack Otto Salin is ready.
Otto Salin is participating in the under-20 World Cup tournament for the second time. PDO
Finland’s start in the under-20 world championships is the fiercest possible. On Boxing Day, Canada, the champion team of the previous two World Cup tournaments, will skate in the game starting at 15:30.
– I think it’s a good thing that we can receive Canada right away. Let’s see right away the level of requirements of the Games, what is required of us. The goal is then to keep that level in every game of the tournament, defender Otto Salin says Iltalehte.
– I can’t say anything more amazing about the Canadian team. USA, Canada and Sweden are all skilled, fast and physical teams. There are skilled players. I don’t see that there are any more wonderful things that need to be taken into account in the opening game, Salin continues.
In the 2000s, Canada has won the age group world championship no less than 10 times. Nevertheless, the USA is considered the biggest favorite to win the tournament in Sweden.
Finland is among the top contenders.
Through winnings
In the opening game of the World Cup, Otto Salin and the Young Lions will face Canada, which has won the age group world championship 10 times in the 2000s. MIKKO LIERI / AOP
Finland played two training games during the Christmas week and won both of them.
On Tuesday, Slovakia fell 5–1, and on Thursday, the Czech Republic fell to the Lions’ feet with 4–1.
– To some extent, it is important that we won the training games. Many players gained confidence from the goals and points. The victory certainly gave the whole gang confidence.
– In addition, we got teamwork and superiority in order, HIFK’s pack continues.
Proud of the role
Salin doesn’t want to talk about his own role yet.
– Of course, we have talked about it with the coaching staff. You have to be proud of the role you get in this team. You have to try to do your best every shift.
– I don’t want to talk about my role any more. People can watch on the spot or on TV when number 3 is on the ice.
Up to the back wall
Lauri Mikkola coaches the under-20 national ice hockey team. KIMMO BRANDT / AOP
Finland’s last championship is from 2019. Then the tournament was played in Vancouver.
Salin participated in last year’s games in Moncton and Halifax, Canada. The right-shooting Los Angeles Kings reserve knows what the Lions group is capable of.
– We have a chance to go all the way to the final, of course. You can’t have anything else in mind. Let’s win one game at a time.
Before the hectic tournament season, Salin calms down for a few days to celebrate Christmas.
– In Espoo, I am with family. Rest and food are mostly on the program. You probably also have to do a little sport. I have to keep my body awake to be able to deliver right away on Boxing Day, says Salin, who has played 29 matches in the league this season.
The World Cup tournament will be played in Gothenburg. The world champion will be announced on January 5.
Seven of the last ten World Cup tournaments have been played in Canada or the United States.