League sensation Daniel Mäkiaho was disappointed with his Lions debut – “No excuses”
HELSINKI. HIFK’s and the entire League’s early season sensation player Daniel Mäkiaho, 25, made his debut in the national team on Saturday. However, the forward was not very satisfied with his performance in Finland’s 2–1 victory that ended after a shootout against the Czech Republic.
The league’s top scorer admitted in an interview with SuomiKiekko after the match that he could not show his best in the game.
– I don’t think so. It wasn’t the best game, but maybe that’s part of it since it was my first game in the national team. I didn’t quite get my best performance, but this is a good start, Mäkiaho analyzed his Lions debut.
Mäkiaho’s early season in the League has been amazing. He has scored 27 points with 12 goals and 15 assists in 19 games. However, the corresponding performance in the national team jersey is still awaited.
Mäkiaho did not want to explain his subdued performance with the excitement related to his first A-international match.
– No, the excitement went away pretty quickly. I have no excuses for not having my best game today.
One thing made Mäkiaho’s national team debut easier. He got to play in the same line as HIFK captain Iiro Pakarinen.
The movements and playing style of the familiar line mate from the club team were already known to the forward.
– Yes, it helped. Knowing a bit about what “Rudi” does on the ice makes it easier to read, Mäkiaho praised.
The Lions’ journey in the Nocco Hockey Games culminates on Sunday with a match against Sweden.
Markus Nuutinen
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