The spark has ignited – or at least is about to ignite.
Petri Kontiola turns 39 in October. Tomi Natri / AOP
Petri Kontiola announces that he is excited about the approach of the league season and his role in C More’s expert team.
But: would Kontiola be much more excited in the league, serving up flats and chasing the championship?
The decision to quit has not been made, but the game fire is smoldering, at least.
– I was pretty sad that the matter was patted down, but things have changed a bit. Kontiola summarizes for Iltalehti.
– I’m not so sure anymore.
Kontiola sought Manse’s local finals and championship celebrations as the culmination of his career. It was the other way around.
– The end has been left to dig. When it’s left to fester, it may continue to bother you for a long time, Kontiola thinks.
– If there’s a good spark, maybe I’d still like to try, but it’s not just up to me. I’m not here in the mood to give the job somewhere.
“Stuck in the pipe”
Ilves’ spring championship chase ended in Pelicans. Tappara celebrated the gold, Ilves “celebrated” the bronze.
– After the semi-finals, that disappointment was immense. There was only one goal and it was already in my mind that if we won, how crazy it would be and how much our wonderful fans would deserve it, says Kontiola.
– It fell through the cracks and so did my own performance. Well, it probably wasn’t as bad as the villages have been saying.
Kontiola also recorded great performances in his last season: 12+39 in 58 regular season matches, 1+3 in 12 playoff matches.
– Many people think after the career that everything was left on the field. I have a completely different feeling. I’ve given a handicap more than put everything in the game.
What do you mean it wasn’t all in the game?
– Just a general thing to do.
What if everything was on the line?
– I do not know. If and if.
As a backup player?
Petri Kontiola’s gold hunt ended with true expressions. Tomi Natri / AOP
Kontiola doesn’t have an agent, so all rumors of a return have come directly to him.
– There has been a lot of interest and a lot of understanding towards my situation, he says.
– I understand the spirit of the game, and a slightly smaller role is fine for me. I could be a very good backup player for some team. Now we are at these starting points.
Kontiola goes to the ice a few times a week and also crafts in the gym at least semi-enthusiastically.
– Those league games are at a completely different pace. It would have to be somehow that I would go train with a team for a few weeks, then they would see if they want me, Kontiola paints.
– In my opinion, I have been working out quite commendably. If no one asked, it would probably kill the enthusiasm a bit.
A possible future team must be a gold candidate.
– With C More, I can at least scout teams up close.
Kontiola laughs that the probability of returning is “fifty-fifty”.
If we’re being honest, is the return rate 90 better than 50?
– Maybe, yes, but I don’t want to get too excited. One day it feels like a joke would get into a group – but on another day the feeling is a bit different.