Finland will meet Canada in the quarterfinals of the Ice Hockey World Championships on Thursday at 8:20 p.m. The match will be followed moment by moment in the application and at EPN.fi/eruhili.
– Now look away while it’s laughing over there.
Well, that won’t surprise anyone.
– You probably know that no matter what the fuss is, even a more experienced guy’s stories can end when the camera light comes on.
Yes. That’s even the case with a surprising number of people. But not in his case.
– No. It is a child of nature. In a positive way. Always in a good mood.
Lions team leader What “Kölli” Kortelainen follows when one of Finland’s attackers gives a long interview to a journalist.
Harri Pesonen could answer questions even until the morning. It is necessary to find out where such positivity and cheerfulness really comes from.
Kortelainen is at first confused.
– I don’t know what filling she puts in her morning porridge. What’s that jam in there?
It seems that Pesonen is always satisfied and happy. Is it so?
– That’s how it is. By its basic nature, “Pessi” is social, open-minded and cheerful.
And also enjoys interviews a lot?
– Well, it has enough experience that it’s not terribly stressful at least in those situations. When a person from Teika comes here to ask these tough questions, it can be quite a scary place for many.
I do not know.
– But do you understand what I mean?
I can. Some of the hockey players couldn’t be less interested in talking with journalists. Fortunately, most of them are at least somehow interested in it.
– After all, these guys here are all quite polite.
True.
– And the interesting thing about Pesonen is that if you think about his player profile, Pessi is an extremely tough guy to fight with. And you can’t do that with a smile.
But it still has that little grin on its face all the time, even in the game.
– That’s right. And yes, Pessi also approaches games with positivity. Some of the players close into their shells, but he throws a flap and laughs.
No matter what the situation?
– By and large, yes. He has been in tough places. And how has it been?
Very.
– Yes. Scored those famous important goals in the national team and club team. Whenever you have to step up, he is one of those players who steps up.
Let’s go and ask the Ilopillar himself.
Harri Pesonen, it seems that you are the most positive and cheerful player in Leijoni.
– Ha, I don’t know. At least I’m from the most positive side of the team. That’s a strong character trait of mine, positivity. Of course, I try to bring that to the team as well.
The national team has had a positive atmosphere for a long time. Is it the factor that attracts the lion shirt year after year?
– That’s exactly where we talked Teemun (Hartikainen) with the fact that it is probably one big reason. To feel welcome. However, this is a voluntary activity.
As a hockey player, you have won everything that can be won at this level. What can still be ignited in these World Cups?
– Racing! The competition spirit is on point. You get to try out how you manage as a team and how you manage yourself. Every year there is always a new story.
You are always in a good mood, and there is always time for interviews. Is there ever a bad day?
– After all, there have been. A lot. A raft of. But since those moments, I haven’t been interviewed often. Those close to you know better those moments when, so to speak, there has been a bit of a hit.
For many hockey players, interviews are quite a bit of a drag. It seems that you even like these, that is, talking to journalists?
– This is part of the job, says the picture. I’ve always thought that it’s pointless to be gloomy with you. However, when you always ask something.
A positive character surely makes a difference too?
– Yes, of course it also depends on the character. Some players don’t like these situations.
I have noticed that.
– I personally think that if you journalists can be seen here, it is a sign that this activity is of interest.
That’s how it is. And the audience is interested year after year, especially when you are successful. There is a thirst for gold again.
– Of course, you can’t aim for or expect anything else here. Expectations are again so full. But it’s great that it has turned out like this. That Finland is expected to be the top country. And we have been able to make a result.
The championship should be renewed now. Is there any pressure?
– In a certain way, yes. Only success is enough. There will be some kind of pressure now. Yes, you can feel it inside the dressing room. Guys, you know what they came here to get.
Let’s get back to that positivity. That’s obviously a big chunk of success?
– That was our weapon. Unity. We have been together for a long time. If you compare to Canada, for example, they haven’t had time to spend time together before the Games in the same way that we have. Of course, that positivity alone is not enough. Someone has to put the puck in the bag, someone has to catch the puck and do everything else possible to win. But yes, we stick to the fact that the team spirit is on the roof. And I believe that it really jeses us.