By Russ Cohen
Heikki Ruohonen is a Philadelphia Flyers draft pick and an emerging player for Team Finland. For World Junior teams, players have to play roles. His is a defensive one.
“It was unreal, just trying to keep the emotions in check and be ready to play tomorrow,” said Ruohonen.
He is a situational player for them.
“It depends on the situation. I’m relied on more on the defensive situation and of course and it depends on how many penalties there are,” Ruohoned stated.“I’m big on the PK but not so much on the power play this year, yet. I’m always ready for these moments.”
His offense has been there. He had a two-point game, and he waits for his moments.
“We have a great line. I have great wingers. They are both super offensive guys, so I just try to win the battles for them and give them the puck.”
The media never wants to see a shootout but Ruohonen felt otherwise.
“I was kind of hoping for the shootout,”
When I asked if he would have been selected for that, he responded, “I don’t know. Lauri (coach) knows better, but I would have trusted our goalie so much that I’m sure we would have pulled it off.”
Playing with the lead is important and you have to do it right.
“They got a lot of momentum in the third but we talked a lot about playing with the lead. Don’t just try and survive. Just play your game. I am super happy we pulled it off.”
Ruohonen started this interview finishing a slice of pizza.
“Yes, it was good pizza,” he remarked.
If he likes the pizza in Ottawa, he will love it in Philadelphia.
