Close and teammates praise Marko Anttila – the wonderful moment of the Slovakia match made a good friend speechless: “He really says everything he needs”

A man of important goals Marko Anttila appeared again in the semifinals of the World Championships when Finland defeated Slovakia 3–2. The 36-year-old Lempääläman has become one of the Lions’ best-known players with his playoff goals.

Anttila’s six playoff goals are also his only hits at the World Cup level. Points have been accumulated in 42 matches 6 + 8 = 14.

The 203-cent striker has been playing for the national team on a regular basis since the spring of 2018. He has achieved World Championship and Olympic gold and once World Championship silver.

We asked our teammates and people who know Anttila well what the wild “Mörkö” is like.

Saku Mäenalanen, The Attack of the Lions

– The cold shivering went on when the audience shouted at Mörkö in the hall. It’s that pretty gentleman that still serves feed. Gotta offer it one back at some point.

– In 2018, we already played in the World Championships in the same chain, and through that he already became acquainted. He’s a strong guy that makes us a lot of fun. He’s had places, so nice that now he went.

Hannes Björninen, Lion Striker

– The rest said a lot about him. And the game in general, he always comes up in a hard place. He is a very fine example to everyone.

– He’s a great and good-natured friend. Helpful and humorous man.

Esa Lindell, Defender of the Lions

– I only knew him from the tea water before this tournament. It’s pretty animal in these puzzle games! You could say he took the gang back in the backpack and took it on. It was great to see this drug.

Markus Hännikäinen, teammate from the Jokers

– He is a real Leader who sets an example in the gym, on the ice and outside or in the sauna evening.

– His best quality is that he is an honest Finnish man. He can be trusted everywhere. You can talk to him, and when you deal with him, know that it is with confidence. A great person and a great father.

Heidi Rämö, Mayor of Lempäälä

– In Lempäälä, Marko “Mörkö Anttila’s” excerpts at the World Championships will be gladly followed. It is a pleasure to see how similar his character is both inside and outside the trough. He is polite and considerate and knows how to share the credit with the whole team.

Sami Järvensivu, a friend of Anttila

– Pretty speechless. He’s got a surprising amount of crisp from these races, though the results and screens speak for themselves. I already told Marko after the 2019 Games that he no longer has to score any goals in this life. He didn’t seem to believe the speech.

– It actually tells the guy everything he needs, that in the end there is an opportunity to do a hat trick and he still gives the puck to Mäenalas.

Sakari Manninen, Lion Striker and Roommate

– He is such a calm Lempäälä giant. Yes, when I woke up from the sun, I noticed that there is a big game and Mörkö is lating. He had an attitude in place.

Ismo Lehkonen, Sports Specialist

– When you are constantly doing things right, then it snaps into place. He doesn’t have to think about the ice, whatever the game situation is because Jukka Jalonen the way of playing sits like a glove.

Timo Peltomaa, Ilves team leader

– “Stress” always comes up in important games… as it is now! He is a team player on top of the last one! He could have made the hat empty, but still baited. Big man, big team heart.

Miro Heiskanen, Defender of the Lions

– He’s a really important player on the team. He kills coolers, grinds, grates and is also capable of results. Outside the ice, he’s a really nice and laid back dude. Top type.