Sasu Hovi: If there is a full house, the atmosphere is great in CEZ Arena

Finland did well in both games so far. It does seem all great, doesn’t it?
That’s true. We managed to won both of them and we have six points which is good. We’re glad about it.

You weren’t in the goal for game against Canada. How come?
We planned this step before. Our first game was on Sunday at 8 PM and the next one already at noon on Monday. It’s difficult for goalies to play two games in such a short time period, so I was glad I could rest.

Let’s have a look at the hosting to win. You personally know Pardubice well, right?
Yes, that’s right. I like this town. We arrived on Wednesday already and practiced a little bit. It was like a small camp for us.

Have you already had some time to take a walk around?
For sure. I know some good places, so we went to out for dinner. It’s a really nice town.

How do you spend your freetime here in general when you’re not in arenas?
Well, we didn’t have much of it so far, but we try to rest as much as possible. Inline hockey is very demanding especially for goalies.

The worlds take place in CEZ Arena which you know well. Did you speak about it with your teammates?
Yeah, I told them how great the atmopshere is when it’s full.

You certainly experienced some of it during games between Kometa and Pardubice which always attract loads of fans. How do you remember them?
It was awesome. Obviously, the finals is what I remember most. There was a brilliant atmosphere in both towns back then.

In total, you have probably most memories on Kometa, right?
Well, we played there some good seasons and I have some great memories for my time there.

Do you still feel sorry for that final series which didn’t end so well for you?
That’s hockey, you know. I tried to do my best, but Pardubice were just a little better and deserved to win it. In the end, I’m glad I was even able to be in the final series at all.

You spent last season in Znojmo playing in EBEL. How would you compare that league to Czech Extraliga?
There is a huge difference. The teams play a different hockey in EBEL, because of those overseas players there. It’s more American style of hockey.

Would you consider coming back to the Czech league in future?
Why not? I like the league here and its style suits me well. I can imagine that.