Mikko Koivu: We’re not gonna back down from our conditions

14 Nov 2012 | Marek Kratochvíl

Mikko Koivu is one of the players who returned to Europe during NHL lockout. His current workplace is HK Areena in Turku, the host town of this year’s Karjala Cup. Since Finland lost to the Czechs, it could only hope in the second position, for which they needed to defeat the Swedes. Even because of a great performance by Koivu, the home team won 3:1. Later, Mikko revealed some of his thoughts about the match, but also about the NHL situation.

How was it for you to play in Turku in your home city?

I have played a couple of games for TPS already, but with national team it is always a little bit different. Especially tonight I think it was great, but also on our other games against the Russians and the Czechs, the crowd was almost sold out. I had a good feeling, for the first time for myself and obviously since we won, it feels great.

How do you enjoy your staying in Europe?

I think it is good for the game and also for the fans over here. People here are big hockey fans, they know the game and that means a lot for us players.

Are you looking forward to come back to the NHL or you would rather stay in Europe and maybe play at Worlds in the summer?

Well, obviously I want the NHL to start as soon as possible. I think for the game all around the world it’s important that we can start soon, but the things are where they are and us players, we’re just looking for the right things for us right now and also in the future. We’re not gonna back down from that so it is where it is, but hopefully we will be able to start at some point.