Markus Nurmelta a tasty hint about a return to TPS.
HELSINKI. Currently representing Luleå, who plays in SHL, Markus Nurmi made his return to the Lions in the Finnish EHT tournament now known as NOCCO Hockey Games, which started on Thursday.
The forward, who registered one assist in the 3–1 victory against Switzerland, stated that he was unable to utilize his greatest strength – a playing style based on physicality – in the way he had hoped during the match.
– That’s pretty much what Switzerland always is. They turn the game around quickly. They might not like to play that hard, Nurmi laughed in an interview with SuomiKiekko after the game.
The Finnish EHT tournament will be played next week in a small rink due to the NHL circus arriving at the Veikkaus Arena in Helsinki. According to Nurmi, this was evident in both teams’ performances on Thursday.
– This small rink was a bit new for everyone. In Sweden and Switzerland, they play in a big rink, so it was a bit of a different game, but it was definitely fun to play.
The 28-year-old power forward, who rose to fame from TPS, was one of the fans’ favorite players and one of the biggest stars during his years in Turku. Nurmi admits that the idea of returning to Turku at some point in his career is enticing.
– Of course, I’m interested, absolutely. Even now, I try to watch all of TPS’s games whenever I can. I’m definitely very, very interested. After all, it’s my home club, Nurmi shares the good news with TPS fans.
Nurmi’s current contract with Luleå expires in the spring of 2028, so he won’t be seen in Turku for a while yet.
Nurmi’s coach at TPS during the 2020-21 season, Raimo Helminen, has become the hottest head coach name in the league in recent years. Nurmi has nothing but good things to say about “Raipé”.
– I obviously have nothing but positive things to say. I really liked him. One of my favorite coaches in my career. It was a fantastic time, and I was playing well then, so what could be better? A brilliant coach, Nurmi praised the hockey icon returning from SaiPa to Ilves for next season.
The Lions will face the Czech Republic in the Saturday night match of the NOCCO Hockey Games. The home tournament culminates in a match against Sweden on Father’s Day Sunday.
Markus Nuutinen
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