Leijonat got a solid confirmation in Prague when Mikael Granlund decided to go to the World Cup for the seventh time in his career.
Granlund, 32, who has won two world championships, says that the Leijonapaita motivates him to participate in the Games again.
– I have always loved playing in this shirt and playing in these prestigious competitions. Whenever it has been possible, I have been involved. Hopefully we can have a good tournament, Granlund tells Urheilu.
Granlund has always excelled in the World Cup team. He was a particularly big leader at the 2022 home games, when Finland won gold. He has played in 50 World Cup matches in his career with 15+34=49.
Granlund can’t say one reason why the game always goes in Leijon.
– Of course there have been good teams and this is always a safe place to play. There are good systems in how we play. I’ve always loved being here.
Granlund played 69 games as the first center of the San Jose Sharks with an output of 12+48=60. Granlund states that the season was one of the best of his career.
– The body feels really good. It’s nice to be able to play again and continue the season. I’m starting this tournament with good starting points.