TPS star Aleksi Saarela: This thing in the League surprised - a big change to my playing style

TPS responded to one of the biggest star signings of the summer in the league by recruiting Aleksi Saarela, who arrived in Finland to complete his military service, from Switzerland.

Saarela, who has been on the radar of several league clubs and has posted impressive stats in the Swiss league over the past four seasons, has recently found his scoring touch that was somewhat missing at the beginning of the season. The forward, who scored three goals in two games last week, admits that the national team break came at a mentally good time.

– The national team break was good for my mind. I got to think about something other than hockey and stress about it. It has been a tough start to the season. I noticed that the guys came back fresh, Saarela commented to Suomikiekko after Friday’s game against Ässät.

According to Saarela, the difference in playing style between the Swiss and Finnish leagues is significant.

– The whole style of play is different. Day by day, I start to feel better myself as I get back into the groove.

– Here, opponents play very tightly and defend very well. There are always 3-4 guys under the play. I should sometimes be patient myself and use my skating to my advantage, but that doesn’t really help here when there’s always someone backing off against me.

Saarela admits that the difference in playing style requires changes to his own way of playing.

– I have to come up with something different and maybe take a bit of speed off and find solutions that way, Saarela sees.

In response to a question about the impact of military service on his performances, Saarela gives a telling answer.

– I’m not going to comment on that. It’s handled and we try to do everything as well as we can everywhere, Saarela sidesteps the question of combining professional sports and military service.

The move to TPS has been enjoyable for the forward who has gone through the junior ranks of Lukko.

– It has felt really good, I have nothing to complain about. We have a young and hungry team that is developing day by day. I think it’s a great environment to work and be in Finland, Saarela praises, aiming to return abroad next season.

Saarela is also interested in the national team jersey despite the busyness brought by military service and league games.

– Of course, I’m interested. It’s an honor. Whenever there has been a chance, I’ve gone for it, Saarela concludes.

Markus Nuutinen