What's it like to play hockey in Finland?
Player’s Name: Jimmy Poreda
Where did you play in N. America prior to playing pro overseas in Europe?
Plattsburgh (NCAA)
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Which countries have you played in overseas:
Finland
Club Name:
Laser HT (Suomi-Sarja) in Oulu, Finland.
Could you tell us about your overall experience playing hockey in Europe?
Unfortunately I played during covid so I didn’t get the full experience, but the overall cultural experience was incredible.
I enjoyed noticing all the little differences between the Finnish culture and the American culture. I tried to go somewhere new as much as I could to experience everything that Oulu had to offer.
My teammates really tried to engage with me and included me in everything. I made some really great friends.
How many years of pro have you played in Europe to date?
1 season
Could you describe what everyday life is like outside of the hockey arena in Finland?
In Finland, English is spoken by much of the population.
This made it easy to communicate with my teammates as well as anyone in shops or restaurants. Most restaurants also had an English menu that I could ask for which was very helpful.
How would you best describe both the style and level of hockey played in Europe overall compared to where else you've played?
Finland was much more of a skill based league than the NCAA. I would describe it as a pass first league which is much different than the US.
Playing Hockey in Europe as an import
Have you had other import teammates there with you in Europe? If so, how was the experience playing alongside them and spending time off the ice in a foreign country with others in a similar situation to you.
My three roommates were all imports from other European countries. We spoke English together and I helped them to learn better English which they appreciated. We got along great!
What's a favorite story or 2 of yours from playing overseas in Europe?
My roommates and I went out hunting for the northern lights. We learned that it was very much a luck based experience but on our first spot, within 5 minutes, we saw a crazy yellow and green Aurora. It really was a once in a lifetime experience, that has made many of my friends in the US jealous.
Through your time playing in Europe, what did you enjoy most during the summer while you are out of the season?
Spending time with my family
Last question: What's one of your favorite Finnish words/phrases you learned (or enjoyed using) during your time playing hockey in Finland?
Kiitos meaning thank you. My teammates loved when I used it.
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