Lukko’s star acquisition Aleksi Saarela exudes confidence – a strong promise to the fans
Lucco gets a really tough returnee for this Liiga season as Aleksi Saarela returns to Rauma after a five-year break.
Last season, the goal scorer who surprisingly returned to the Liiga in TPS’s jersey due to military service faced some criticism from the Turku fans for his inadequate physical condition.
Saarela, 29, promises Lukko fans that he has gotten himself in top shape for this season.
– In good shape. Actually, really good shape. A really good summer behind me and now in the training games, we’ve managed to accomplish quite a bit of what we’ve wanted, Saarela commented in an interview on Lukko’s X account.
Saarela alternated as a winger with Felix Robert and Mikael Ruohoma in the practice matches. The different playing styles of the center duo also force Saarela to shape his own playing style according to the situation.
– Robert is quite a speedy guy. I had to be more alert with the pace.
– On the other hand, “Ruoho” is an elite playmaker who sees the ice really well. The passes come suddenly. It can come from anywhere and anytime, and it’s always on the stick, last season’s 53 games with stats of 20+15=35 Saarela compared the playing styles of the two top centers.
Lukko faces Ilves at home in the opening round of the regular season on Tuesday.
READ ALSO: Harsh criticism for the star who left TPS – Elmo Aittola: “Skated a year overweight”
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