Is there anything right now that could make your head turn?
– Nothing really. The only thing is that I have three- and six-year-old boys who are enthusiastic about hockey. Because of them, it would probably still be nice to play.
So is the back gate open?
– Heh, it’s not, it’s a shame. I’m starting to cheer and watch more games.
On February 28, Kontiola assured that his career will end in the spring with Ilves. Almost eight months later, on October 18, he has another vote on the clock.
Kontiola stands wearing a Tappara shirt giving an interview at his new club. The career continues.
How did this happen?
– I went to substance abuse treatment last spring. There, my thoughts went to what if I should try something else, Kontiola tells Urheilu.
What made you realize that you need to go to substance abuse treatment?
– I started reeling that life is going in a worse direction and at a pretty fast pace. Maybe that was it. And I have a couple of little boys. They were a pretty big reason why I went there.
The story continues after the pictures.
Let’s see through the fingers
Kontiola went to substance abuse treatment as soon as possible after the bronze medal match. Kontiola describes that it was a good time then. There was no program on the calendar.
– Now the energy levels are quite different and I have gained more composure in life. The surface is not so tight, Kontiola opens up the effects.
Kontiola does not want to talk in more detail about how bad his substance abuse problem grew. He is content to state that “bad enough”. However, it was a place of awakening for him.
The matches were not affected by the use of intoxicants. For example, last season Kontiola scored 51 points in 58 regular season games.
– The games went quite well. In this job, you can be forgiven pretty well and look through your fingers when you score goals and play well.
The return is exciting
Now Kontiola is preparing to play in the SM league. The contract starts at the start of the international break in November.
Tappara is not a new acquaintance for Kontiola, as he played for the club in the early years of his career for six seasons, the last time in the 2006–2007 season. After that, he played in North America and for a longer time in the KHL. For the 2020–21 season, the attacker returned to Finland and to HPK’s shirt.
– I felt really welcome when I got in touch with Tappara. I’m pretty excited. Yes, I’m excited, I have to admit.
Why?
– A tough group and I’m going to join them now. Of course, all the challenges here make you a little nervous.
Quick comment about the regular season
The center forward has already had time to exchange a few words with Tappara’s head coach Rikard Grönborgin with. There has been no further discussion about the role.
– If I understood correctly and my English skills are not rusty, those who play well play in Tappara. That’s how I understood this job, Kontiola says with a smile.
When Kontiola spoke in September about his interest in returning to the SM league In an interview with MTVthe attacker shook that he is “not interested in these regular season games at all”.
– Well, yes, that was cleverly said. We got a little stuck on it. In the final games, we will try to get busy in such a way that we will be at our best in the spring. Mostly that (I meant). Let’s join the struggle now, says Kontiola.
Everyday to spin
Kontiola sees that he is in “very good” condition, both mentally and physically. He has trained well.
– In the summer, I was able to be with other players in Tampere in slightly different groups. Yes, it’s been pretty good skating here. I still have plenty of time to take the sharpest tip.
The 39-year-old Konkar lacks a championship in his trophy cabinet. Kontiola has achieved three World Cup silvers, one World Cup bronze, one Olympic bronze and bowed out once in the KHL finals.
Last season, the championship was on Kontiola’s mind. Now the most important thing is that he gets his daily life going.
– Of course, when the club has a big goal, it would be a great final scene for this. But that’s not on my mind right now. It’s more about everyday life, what I start running, says Kontiola.