Finland wins gold after 11 years. I hope the next one comes in a year, says coach Timo Nurmberg

How do you feel right now?
I feel great. We had a great tournament and I´m very happy.

What decided today´s game?
Canada is always very good and we knew how they play, they know how we play. We were just better today. There´s no question about that.

The start of the game was very energetic and fast-paced. When you were making your game plan, did you factor in that Canada had gone to a shootout their last two games and might be more tired than you?
Of course we knew what they did. As far as the plan, we went with four pairs of forwards and six "D" and we knew that the longer the game went, we´d be stronger.

Were the two power-play goals in the fourth quarter the breaking point?
Actually, the first one we scored I told the guys what to do, but I don´t know how we managed because in this tournament our power play wasn´t so good. But today it was, so lucky me.

If you could choose one or two MVP from this game, who would it be, and why?
Sasu Hovi, of course, and Petri Partanen, who we nicknamed "Sexy" (laughter) ... He had a great game.

How did you enjoy this tournament in Pardubice, Czech Republic?
It´s been great. Great city, great environment and great arena here. Lots of good players, lots of good coaches. We´re like a big family here and I love to be here.

It´s been 11 years since the last time Finland won gold. Why was it so long?
Well, I don´t know. I think we had good teams after that, but this year we just came together as a team, so that´s it and I hope the next one is next year.

You were undefeated. How come you were so much better than last year?
Last year was last year, this year is this year. There were some changes. We have some new players, new coaches, new style of play. It just mixed together.

Will the core of the team stay together for next year?
We´ll see. I think we´ll have some other players join us because it´ll be at home, but it won´t be easy to change this team. We´ll see what happens.

Which of the teams was the most difficult for you to play against?
(thinking) ... We played twice against Sweden and Canada. We only played against four teams. I don´t know about USA or the Czechs, but I saw them play and they were very good. I think there were six teams that could have won the gold.

Do you think the turning point of the tournament for you might have been the German game?
It might be. We were down and we went through that and now we´re here. Team Germany was very good.

Is it more satisfying to win this tournament as a player or a coach?
Well right now I´m just a rookie coach. My first year here and a good thing happens. It´s great right now and I think I already forget those player things.

Next year you will be playing in Finland. How do the fans in Finland like inline hockey?
It´s a minor sport, but there are many good ice hockey players who want to come and play at home. We´ll see what happens because these guys here play inline hockey and want to play next year, so it will probably be a mix of those.

Are you looking forward to it?
Yeah, for sure. It´s going to be a great tournament.