Interview: The Uronen Brothers Defiant for the World Championships - "The goal is simply World Championship gold"

The under-18 boys’ national team preparing for the World Championships is traveling today, Wednesday, to the training camp in Slovakia.

The training group consists of 25 players, including HIFK’s young players Anttoni Uronen and Eelis Uronen. The SuomiKiekko site interviewed the twins at the media event for the under-18 World Championship team on Tuesday.

The brothers, who have also gained experience in men’s games during the season, are heading to the tournament in a relaxed and confident mood.

– We’re heading to the tournament with great feelings. A nice group is together and there’s an expectant vibe, Eelis states.

– There wouldn’t be a better way to end this season than this, Anttoni adds.

The national team call-up is a big deal for both young men.

– Well, it’s always great and a huge privilege to represent your country, the brothers state together.

Coaching and team spirit in good shape

The age group heading to the under-18 tournament has been coached for a long time by Tuomo Ropo from Lappeenranta. The initial meeting led by the Little Lions coach received positive feedback from the brothers.

– We had an inspiring initial meeting, Anttoni shares.

– We went through some mental aspects, Eelis adds.

The atmosphere in the team before the upcoming tournament is, according to the brothers, very strong.

– We have an amazing team. The team spirit is unmatched, the brothers state together.

In terms of results, the only goal is the brightest one, and the targets are set high.

– The goal is simply World Championship gold. Nothing else, Eelis states.

– Yeah, there’s no point in even going if you don’t want to win gold, Anttoni adds.

When asked how they see each other as players, a smile quickly appears on their faces.

– Eelis is a tough defender who can also make great plays in the offensive zone, Anttoni says.

– Anttoni is annoyingly big and really good in the corners and quite a good playmaker, Eelis states.

Anttoni Uronen performed excellently this season in HIFK’s jersey. Photo: All Over Press

Learning from men’s games

During the current season, both brothers got to experience the pace at the men’s level, where the difference to juniors became clear. The twins showed impressive performances in their first men’s games despite their young age.

– Men are still much stronger and have been training for a long time. They know what to do on the ice, Eelis states.

Still, Eelis praises the level of junior hockey.

– There are also some incredibly skilled players here.

Anttoni agrees with his brother’s comments.

– Maybe the experience and strength in the League are different, but the skill level here is top-notch.

Helsinki IFK

The twin brothers moved to HIFK last season. They played in the representative team, A juniors, and B juniors across three different age groups last season.

– It was a bit of a match congestion, but it’s nice to help the team no matter where you play, Anttoni shares.

Eelis, who suffered an injury at the beginning of the season, played fewer games this season, but both young men still made their SM-liiga debuts early in the season.

– Great feelings regarding achieving a certain milestone, the brothers reflect together.

HIFK’s last season ended in the first round of the playoffs against the defending champion KalPa.

– The puck didn’t bounce our way, that’s just how hockey is sometimes, Anttoni states.

However, they are heading into the upcoming league season from scratch again.

– We’ll train hard this summer and go from there, Eelis says.

– When you trust your abilities, next season will definitely be good, Anttoni continues.

Player legend Olli Jokinen is likely to serve as HIFK’s head coach again next season. The brothers have only good things to say about him.

– An amazing coach. He gives a lot of good tips and encourages us. We’re grateful to have been able to work with him, the brothers comment together.

According to the twins, it also matters that Jokinen has an illustrious playing career behind him.

– You want to believe in him when you know that things come from experience, Eelis shares.

– You know it’s worth listening to him because he knows what he’s talking about, Anttoni adds.

Väinö Helenius