Leevi Meriläinen and Joel Blomqvist, who was sidelined from the Junior World Championships, will defend in Kärpi as teammates.
Leevi Meriläinen will have an important role in Finland’s goal in the World Cup tournament. PASI MENNANDER / ICE HOCKEY ASSOCIATION
190-centimeter Leevi Meriläinen is likely to be the first goalkeeper of the Young Lions in Edmonton’s World Cup tournament, even if the youngster is a bit over the top.
– The order of play has not been announced yet. Let’s play according to how the games go, says the Oulu resident to Iltalehte.
Finland’s second playing goalkeeper is Juha Jatkola.
No pressure
Leevi Meriläinen played last season for the Kingston team in the OHL junior league. TIMO KUNNARI
Last Friday, Meriläinen got a big scalp when Finland defeated Sweden in a training match. The solution came only in overtime.
Jatkola played in Saturday’s winning game against the USA,
The young man does not carry the pressure of performance.
– I played in Canada for a year. I’m glad I went there. There you got used to the media, there were a lot of interviews. And there was a lot of people in the stands, says the goalkeeper who played for the Kingston Frontenacs last season.
– In Canada, hockey is a little more active. Junnukiekko is followed in Finland only at the national team level. At least now there is no pressure, Meriläinen states.
Good hands
Meriläinen knows the strengths that have made him the number one goalkeeper of the national youth hockey team.
– I could say that I have good hands for a goalkeeper. I am quick to react and like to fight with my hands.
– I’m not the smallest goalkeeper. I use my body and I’m quick to move, says the 19-year-old Ottawa Senators reserve.
Are you calm or fierce by nature?
– I’m more on the calm side. I like to keep calm on the ice and in civilian clothes. Of course, there is competition on the ice, and sometimes it boils over there.
– For example, when there is a goal that was preceded by a mistake by the attacker and the referee did not intervene. If I feel there is an injustice. But quite rarely.
Towards the pitcher
The Lions are pounding in the World Cup tournament on four good fields. Brad Lambert, Topi Niemelä and Ville Koivunen (right) fan the finish line at last winter’s games. ZUMAWIRE / MVPHOTOS
Among other things, Meriläinen considers the strengths of the lion team to be extensive know-how and consistent four fields. Finland’s strength is also in special situations.
Finland’s goal is crystal clear.
– Is it a secret? We came here to win. There’s no point in coming here if you’re not looking to win.
– Of course there are other good countries too and we will go one game at a time. It won’t be easy, but we’re going to win.
Meriläinen puts the pressure of a gold medal on the neck of a familiar team.
– Canada plays in their home country and they always have a good team. Let’s put pressure on them.
Blomqvist’s friend
The head coach Antti Pennanen did not choose the goalkeeper Joel Blomqvist to the World Cup team. It sparked debate, as player selections so often do.
Meriläinen and Blomqvist will play as teammates in Kärpi next season. And fighting for playing time.
National team issues do not eat away at young men or weaken the chemistry of the Kärppie booth.
– In the summer, we went through the issues and agreed on them. It’s a shame in every way. But it went like this and now let’s move on. It’s not something that will cause friction between us next season, Meriläinen assures.