Hosung Son - Starting Again

When Hosung Son left Anyang Halla to join the Korean military as part of his mandatory service, the team was at a high point. They had just won their first Asia League championship and had finished first in the regular season for a couple years in a row. The same year that Hosung left for military service, long time veteran Patrick Martinec left the team. Their departure saw Halla drop from a first place regular season finish to fourth. While the team eventually shared a championship with the Freeblades, it's unclear who might have emerged victories had the series been played. Since then, the team has struggled to regain that glory, ending in a fourth place regular season finish and sweep at the hands of the Eagles in the first round. 

Hosung played back-up goalie last year as he returned from military service. This year, Eum has left the team and Hosung finds himself again in spotlight.

Eurohockey: This year it seems you will be the starting goalie. How are you feeling after your recovery year last year?
Hosung: I was nervous at first coming back, I didn't really skate for two years, but I've always had confidence in hockey, I feel good coming back playing hockey my favorite sport. I have a lot of confidence.

EH: Tell us a little bit about your military service
HS: I went to the army, but I had an office job. So when I was in the army I was doing that. I trained on the side a little bit. I also taught little kids to play hockey.

EH: How did being in the military effect your game? Were you able to practice at all during that time?
HS: Last year was the first year I came back from the army. I had a tough times, after two years resting without hockey, I kind of struggled, but this year I'm ready. I'm practicing with the team. I've been watching a lot of olds videos and movement videos. I feel a lot of confidence in this year.

EH: If you knew a special military team like Sangmu was coming, would you have delayed your military service?
HS: If it was possible I probably would have delayed it and gone to the army team, but because of the age limits, I had no choice but to do it then.

EH: You've been playing in the league for many years, what is something you'd identify as a big change since you first began in 2005?
HS: Comparing to when I started with Kangwon Land in 2005, the level of play has increased. It's faster, much faster, much more experienced people coming in and joining the league, it's a much better league.

EH: How do you prepare yourself on gameday?
HS: I prepare everything before the game, just get everything setup. When I am at home before, I always think about hockey, read books, try to get my mind focused. I come here early, I'm the first guy to come to the rink. I go over my equipment and get settled and think about hockey and focus my mind mind more.

EH: If there was one aspect of your game that you'd like to improve, what would it be?
HS: I'd like to have more focus

EH: When you were young, what goalie did you want to style yourself after?
HS: Patrick Roy and Martin Brodeur

EH: Before you joined the Asia League you did play in the Korea League. What was that like?
HS: To compare the Korea League and the Asia League, level-wise they are way different. The players in the Asia League are much faster, stronger and skill-wise. There are a lot of veterans and import players in the Leauge so its much different.

EH: Where do you want to take your career from here?
HS: My first goal is the Asia League. I want to play with Halla and win a championship, like every other player. If I have an opportunity to go somewhere else, maybe Finland, or Europe, I'd love to go and try-out. But right now I'm focused on the Asia League and Halla.

EH: Thank you for your time!

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