About Finnish players Susanna Tapani and Minttu Tuominen was booked at the booking event of the new North American women’s hockey league, the PWHL. Minnesota booked both Finns. Tapani became the first Finnish booking at number 25.
Tapani, 30, watched the booking event at home with his friends. His name was announced by a former Naislijonien player Mira Jalosuo, who serves as Minnesota’s assistant coach. Jalosuo changed the language in the middle of everything and told in Finnish that the team is booking Tapani from Laitila.
– I didn’t expect to go to Minnesota at all. It came right out of the box. When “Jalis” started talking about Laitila, the guys started shouting so loud that we didn’t even hear my name, Tapani said.
– Booking is a really great thing. A little shock mode still on, I don’t really understand the whole thing. Of course, there is no contract yet, but this makes it possible to try out for the team, Tapani reminded.
There are six teams in the PWHL: Boston, Minnesota, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and New York. The new professional series enables a tough and professional environment for female players.
The series has been established on such a fast schedule that there is not yet a very precise understanding of many related issues.
– There is still very little information. Other things will probably start to clear up now after the draft. However, it seems quite good, good coaches and GM have been chosen. I believe. that the series will be really tough. I hope it will also be marketed well. My habit said.
Even the timetables are still imprecise. The series is starting in January and the camps possibly in November.
In Tapan’s opinion, it seems that the Minnesota team would be really tough. For example, Minnesota was able to reserve a forward as the number one reservation Taylor Heisen. Last season, Heise forged 29+36=65 power points in 38 games in the WCHA college series and played a key role in the US team that won the world championship in April.
Defender Minttu Tuominen was booked for Minnesota as the 84th player in the booking event. It was something Tapani liked.
– I was probably even more excited at that point than with my own name. It was great when he joined the same team. It makes everyday life easier when there is a familiar player from the same culture.
Tapani hasn’t thought much about the impact of playing in North America on national team representation.
– I want to focus on Minnesota now. who is my employer. They have something to say about things too. I hope everything goes well together.
“It’s a big deal that you still get the chance at this age”
33-year-old defender Tuominen considers the booking a recognition of his career so far.
– It’s a big deal that even at this age you get a chance in a place where the best in the world play. After all, this is a kind of testament that I have done the right things in my career.
Tuominen reminds us that the reservation does not directly mean a PWHL contract.
– The team may not offer a contract or the player may refuse the contract.
Tuominen, who played last season in North America for the Metropolitan Riveters, is happy that the team has other Finnish representatives in addition to him.
– It’s really nice that Suski is in Minnesota with me. There were a few Finns in the draft and I thought I could end up on the same team, but it seemed unlikely.
Tuominen believes that assistant coach Jalosuo had a significant influence on Minnesota booking the Finnish defender.
– He has known me as a player for a long time.
In addition to the Finnish players, the team also has a third European, a Czech Denisa Krizova.
Immediately after the booking ceremony, Tuominen had the feeling that the Minnesota team seems like home, where you can find leadership and young talents.
The season starts in January
The PWHL is scheduled to start in January next year. However, the exact date is still unclear.
– Very little information has been received about the matter. Whether it is the beginning, the end or the middle of January, there is no information.
Tuominen expects a steady start to the season.
– You can certainly go into every game with the idea that either of them can win.