The young Ukrainian player’s move to Imatra was not easy. War is on my mind every day.
Artem Hrebenyk plays puck in Finland, but the war is on his mind every day. Tomi Natri / AOP
A player from an exotic puck country was cooling off in the Helsinki ice hall on Tuesday during the Mestis match between the Jokers and Ketterä. A 21-year-old Ukrainian played in Imatra Ketterä’s defensive lines Artem Hrebenyk.
Hrebenyk, who had only played in Ukraine in his adult career before Finland, got a memorable experience right at the start of the season, as more than 6,500 spectators were watching the match.
– It was the first time I played in front of such a crowd and noise. That was cool. I didn’t even think that 99 percent of the audience were Joker fans. I just enjoyed the moment, Hrebenyk said after the match.
“Everyone can see”
Hrebenyk ended up in Finland from Ukraine, a victim of Russia’s war of aggression, when he was looking for a club in the summer and his agent suggested Mesti and Ketterä.
The young defender enjoyed Tuesday’s match but said the war is on his mind daily.
– Everyone in Finland and the world can see what the situation is in Ukraine. It is difficult when there is a war in your own country and missiles are flying there, Hrebenyk said.
– There are more and more victims all the time. It’s hard not to know about the future. It is difficult to make any plans for the future. You just have to go one day at a time.
Hrebenyk’s family members are not fighting in the war, but he has acquaintances who have fought for their country.
A rough start
After the Jokerit match, Hrebenyk spoke to Iltalehte through an interpreter, as the youngster does not speak much English.
The Ukrainian admits that the move to Imatra was not the easiest possible, even though the decision has been good from a sporting point of view.
– The beginning was difficult. I didn’t have close friends here outside of the team. It took about a month and a half to find my place and get to know my teammates more. As a result, being at Imatra has been easier.
In ice hockey, Hrebenyk’s goal is to first show his skills in Mesti and then possibly set new goals. Hrebenyk has been comfortably given responsibility in Ketterä and on Tuesday played, among other things, understrength.
– The level here is good. I am satisfied that I made it to Imatra and to this series and team. This is a good step for me as a player. I can improve.