TPS’s special game outfit stole the attention at the opening of the SM league season. There were opinions for and against.
This is what Tepsi’s new game outfit looks like. AOP/Mika Kylmäniemi
Raised as the most interesting individual player of the season in many different places Jori Lehterä opened the season with an assist Walter Merelän to score the winning goal.
– Yes, we are still learning the game here. Here, they play tactically very smartly and diligently, so you have to watch your own movements, Lehterä said after the opening match.
However, the most talked about thing that ended with Tappara’s 3–1 victory was TPS’ festive season outfit, which aroused strong opinions on social media.
Lehterä gave a frank comment about the wild whole.
– I paid attention to those white gloves, they looked horrible.
– The rest of the whole thing was fine, but those white gloves are a bit outrageous, Lehterä laughed.
Instead, a big promise who made his SM league debut on the TPS side Aron Kiviharju praised the outfit of his memorable night.
– It was really nice. A little variety and it’s great that traditions are respected during the festive season.
Praise from the referee’s line
After the match, Lehterä was saddened by the few chances of superiority. Tappara got to try the power of his superiority, which is known to be dangerous, only once in the whole match.
– I would have liked to spin more. We had that one advantage that didn’t start spinning, so it would have been nice to have another one, Lehterä said.
Lehterä, who has returned to Finland from the KHL, estimates that in Russia the icebreaker would have been whistled clearly more than the situations seen on Tuesday. However, there were praises for the judges.
– However, today was the same line, so that’s fine.
Lehterä will be the center of attention this fall, as his merits speak for themselves. Taituri admits that he follows the evaluations of his performances.
However, the relaxed attacker does not take pressure from the writings.
– You’re not a piece of shit, if they say so. That’s not true either, if they say you’re a world-class magician, Lehterä knew.
A great talent debuts
The opening match of the 2022–23 season may well be remembered for a long time for the major league debut of Kiviharju, known as a super talent in his age group.
Skating effortlessly, the youngster was not noticeably behind his parents. There were also excellent hockey performances.
– In some situations, you have to solve it with something other than force. If a 75-kilogram person goes up against a 90-kilogram person, then it goes against the laws of physics.
– Sometimes struggles are lost, which is understandable. However, they grow with the future in mind, Kiviharju said.
The excitement did not really shine from Kiviharju’s performances.
– I knew when I got into the lineup that it would be an unforgettable evening. I was just trying to think of this as one game among others.
The defender’s father Jani Kiviharju – who is also remembered as a TPS icon – gave his son simple instructions before the big night.
– Enjoy and be yourself, nothing more wonderful than that.