Atro Leppänen is playing in Vaasa Sport for the second season. The defender’s dazzling moves have been noticed in the rinks and in the media.
The number one name of the defenders in the league is representing Vaasan Sport Atro Leppänen, 26.
The skillful moves and the continuous accumulation of points have not gone unnoticed by anyone.
Although Leppänen’s success this season has received media coverage, there have been fewer interviews during his rookie season.
– This year, I have been able to be quite comfortably at peace, says Leppänen.
A record breaker
Although Leppänen has been allowed to rest, he has still received a lot of column space.
He has already broken many records this season.
Leppänen is Sport’s most effective point scorer of all time in a single League season. In the match played in Kouvola a week ago, Leppänen made 3+3 performances. This is how he became the defender who scored the most points in one game in the League.
In recent games, the audience and the media have been waiting for Leppänen to improve the historic, one-season point record for defenders to new numbers.
The record currently stands Pekka Rautakalliowho scored 53 points in the 1978–1979 season in Pori Ässi.
Leppänen has only four points to go.
The defender has a calm attitude to breaking records, even though the situation in the points market seems good.
– Anyway, the points have come from playing well overall and not having to steal from the defense.
However, Leppänen admits that even if he doesn’t attach importance to records at the moment, it might be nice to remember them later.
– After all, it’s really a big milestone that if it could be done. However, that record has been valid for a long time.
Skills are hard currency
Leppänen’s development as a puck player took great strides when he became a player for Mestis. Among other things, he praises the conditions in Kiekko-Espo, where he could train well.
– We had a good mood there and it was already a bit similar to the League.
Leppänen has no complaints about the conditions in Vaasa either.
– I am satisfied with the way I am doing everyday and how I have been able to develop. The facilities are good, and of course the rest is up to you, says Leppänen.
Leppänen is a good and fast skater. He takes care of the defender’s area, holds the puck and arranges scoring opportunities for himself and others – and shoots. The aim has also been on point.
Puolustaja-Leppänen’s repertoire includes skills that are hard currency in modern hockey.
– Must be able to play on the puck and be more comprehensive. Ice hockey is going in a more mobile direction.
– Some say that defenders are like midfielders. However, defending is the most important task, but at the same time you can help in the attack, continues Leppänen.
“I don’t want to talk about it yet”
The more Leppänen has dazzled in matches, the more the rumors have started going in the direction that the man would be taken away from Vaasa and Finland already during the current season.
The rumors are fueled by Sport’s financial problems.
The Swiss league has been speculated to be the address, and both the SHL and the NHL have been mentioned in the talks regarding next season.
Leppänen himself completely shuts his mouth about possible plans.
– I don’t want to talk about it yet.
Every now and then he comes across news about his own future.
– Someone might link them to me. He asks what this is, and then I don’t really know myself.
However, he would like to break Rautakallio’s points record before he leaves. Whether the departure was in the middle of the season or just after the season.