The EHL Top Four Final Finalists: TPS Turku

The name of Turun Palloseura, or TPS Turku as it is commonly known, marks an important step in the EHL history. It was the Finnish team who conquered the first EHL title in the 1996/97 season, when Dynamo Moscow was beaten 5-2 at the Turku's Elysee Arena and Sami Mettovaara scored three goals, including the game winner. Later in the season TPS also grabbed the IIHF Super Cup with a 3-2 win over Russian Lada Togliatti, before suffering an early elimination in the '97/98 EHL Division Round. But President Hannu Ansas promised he was going to come back soon and he is known for keeping his word. Next week TPS is going on the ice in Lugano against the reigning champions of Metallurg Magnitogorsk trying to get one step closer to the EHL title. "It feels good to again be in condition to play for the EHL crown - says Hannu Ansas. - We have always considered the EHL as something important and prestigious and reaching the Top Four Final represents the achievement of one of the goals of the season. After winning the EHL we became one of the most prestigious clubs in Europe, the name of TPS Turku was on everybody's lips and that represented something unique. We go to Lugano hoping to repeat all this". It won't be an easy task, anyway, in one tournament which presents four possible winners. But before looking too far, TPS' coach Hannu Jortikka, is focusing on the semi-final game against Metallurg: "We know they are one of the top European clubs and to play them in the semi-final represents a big challenge. They are an experienced team, with talented players and if we want to beat them we have to be ready from the opening faceoff. From what I have seen, they have a very solid defence and fast forwards. We must try to control them in every sector of the ice. But what we especially will have to do is to avoid any mistakes in our own zone and also to avoid unnecessary penalties. You cannot expect to win such games from the penalty box". From the team that triumphed in 1997 only 7 players will play in Lugano: goalies Kimmo Lecklin and Fredrik Norrena, defencemen Mika Lehtinen and Tomi Kallio, wings Kimmo Rintanen, Jani Kiviharju and Teemu Elomo. For all the others this will be a first time, but TPS' management is used to sending onto the ice at the beginning of each season young players to replace the ones who have left for North America. "We know what to do and how to motivate our young players" adds President Ansas. As for team captain Kari Harila, who plays in is first EHL season, "all the team is very motivated. In Lugano we will find the best conditions for a great tournament: the best European clubs, a great city, fantastic fans. What more could we ask? And playing the reigning champions adds even more spice. We do not feel intimidated by them but at the same time we also do not underestimate them. We know we have to go on the ice and play at our best, if everybody will do his duty then we can beat them and advance to the gold medal game". If he should bet on one team, President Ansas would surely choose TPS. "This is going to be a very exciting and tough tournament. All the four clubs have good chances to win but I stick with TPS. We have been playing well all season and even if we might be a little tired because of the busy schedule (TPS will play their last SM-Liiga game on February 3 in Rauma) I know that my players are hungry to win. And I am as hungry as they are". For further information please contact: Paolo Ianieri EHL Media and Communication Manager Tel: +41 1 289 86 07 Mobile: +41.79 200 8829 E-Mail: ianieri@iihf.com