Ilves’ 21-year medal-free tube in the Finnish Championship League ended with a bronze party.
Marko Anttila, who celebrated behind goalkeeper Vadim Žerenko, and Petri Kontiola only achieved their first medal in the Finnish Championship League. Mika Kylmäniemi / AOP
The lynx’s first medal since the spring 2001 bronze was confirmed when the Tampere team, who finished third in the regular season, knocked out KooKoo in the bronze match with goals 3–2.
The championship bronze was for two Ilves veterans, 36 years old To Marko Anttila and 37-year-olds To Petri Kontiola only the first medal in the Finnish Championship.
Anttila’s career has been unique in the world: first the World Cup gold (2019), then the Olympic gold from Beijing (2022) and only then the first medal in the SM League.
– There may not be another similar career tube in the world, but only those careers go differently for players. It is not easy to get those medals when only three teams get medals each year, Anttila told Iltalehti.
“Feels good”
Anttila started the season in Jokeri and did not join Ilves until the last day of February.
However, Ilves has had an “own” club for Anttila, who was born in Lempäälä near Tampere, where he played for the seasons 2004–11. That’s why the medal tasted particularly good.
– Of course, this medal feels good. Everyone knows that our goal was higher, but this was the maximum for this team, Anttila said.
Of course, the Finnish Championship bronze will not rise to the level of World Cup and Olympic gold.
– Well no, because winning is always winning. But there were so many happy people here, the atmosphere in the hall was just amazing and there were so many times from the previous medal of Ilves that this is also a big deal. Great and big thing for me too, Anttila said,
“A glass of red wine”
Anttila’s season did not end with Sunday’s bronze medal. On Wednesday, he will travel to Prague and join the Lions World Cup project. The goal is to extend the Olympic gold and Finnish Championship bronze to the World Championship medal from the May home games.
– Of course, success at the World Cup is the goal. First of all, however, we have to get a place in the team, because Finland will have a rock-hard group at home. After almost 37 years in the Tampere region, it would be a big deal to play in the World Championships. There is a great event in store and a great atmosphere in the hall, Anttila said.
Finland will play all its matches in Tampere.
Before the trip to Prague, Anttila has a few days to draw oxygen.
– At first, there will be little celebration. A glass of red wine and good food in a great group, Anttila told about his plans.