HELSINKI. The Lions secured the tournament victory in their home tournament of the EHT on Sunday by defeating Sweden with a score of 3-2 in the final match of the Nocco Hockey Games.

One of the team’s national team debutants this season was Kristian Tanus, who moved from Tappara to Switzerland’s HC Ajoie, and he has had an excellent start to the season in the new league.

Now Tanus got to measure his level for the first time with the Lions, and in a tournament that was played unusually in a smaller, NHL-sized rink.

The smaller rink also forced the skillful forward to adjust his playing style somewhat.

– Yes and no. Of course, the game changes a bit. It’s a bit tighter, and maybe you have to play a little differently without the puck. In that sense, it was also a nice experience. You get to wrestle more, and the game revolves more around the boards, Tanus noted to SuomiKiekko after the Sweden game.

The smaller rink also highlighted Tanus’s biggest area for improvement.

– When I think about my own playing and what I need to develop, it’s playing close to the boards. Here, I got a lot of repetitions on that.

From Tappara to a Star in the Swiss League

The 26-year-old four-time Finnish champion moved abroad for the first time in his career this season. The pace in the Swiss league has been devastating, as the 170-centimeter dynamo has recorded 26 points (6+20) in 19 games.

According to Tanus, now was the right time to try his wings outside the domestic league.

– The contract situation was such that it allowed me to leave. I think I had my best season behind me and it was good confidence to leave. However, I have always aimed to see a bit of the outside world, Tanus reflects on the reasons for his departure.

– I spent quite a few years at Tappara, and every day we worked towards being ready to leave. Now I had the feeling that it was the right time and that I was ready to try as a player.

If his current performances continue in the same way, a spot in the spring World Championships could also be within the forward’s reach. However, Tanus approaches the potential World Championship call-up with a calm mind.

– Of course, but I’m not going to think about it too much. If I earn a spot there, then that’s it, but there’s no point in worrying about it. When you work every day, it will surely be closer, the forward concludes.

Tanus collected one assist in the Helsinki EHT tournament.

Markus Nuutinen

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