McKeens QA with Kari Lehtonen
The 2001-2 season was a banner year for Kari Lehtonen, who led Jokerit to the
SM-Liiga championship with a 1.79 goals-against average. He also backstopped
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Finland to a bronze medal at the 2002 World Junior Hockey Championships, where
he was named the tournament's top goalie.
The Helsinki native was considered the best goaltender available at the 2002
NHL Entry Draft, and was selected by the Atlanta thrashers with the second overall
pick, the highest a European goalie has ever been selected.
The following interview took place at the World Championships in Sweden this
past May, prior to the NHL Draft.
McKeen's: You're a young goaltender, Kari, but what are some of the
highlights of your career up to this point?
Lehtonen: It was great being a part of the Under-18 team where we won
a gold and bronze, and then as a member of the Under-20 team the last two years
has been a great experience. We won the silver (2001) and this year bronze.
The gold (at the 2000 Under-18 tournament) was definitely a big moment for me.
It was an unbelievable feeling.
McKeen's: As a goaltender, are there any players in the NHL you watch
and admire?
Lehtonen: I've always been a big fan of Patrick Roy. I watched him growing
up and tried to emulate his style. It is always great seeing a superstar like
him in the net. It keeps me inspired hoping that one day I could be that good.
McKeen's: Can you talk about your season with Jokerit and how it felt
winning the title?
Lehtonen: It was a great year with Jokerit, we won the league title
and I thought as a team we played well. It is so important that everyone gets
together and works for the same thing, which I believe our team did and that
is why we won it all.
McKeen's: You are a top prospect for this year's draft. Do you have
a favorite team in the league that you would like to play for?
Lehtonen: It does not matter what team drafts me. I still have to keep
working hard to prove that one day I can play in the NHL. It is certainly going
to be an honor when I am called, as it means that there is a team that feels
I can be a part of their future plans. I will work hard to make sure that I
don't let anyone - including myself - down.
McKeen's: You must feel overwhelmed at times with the talk about you
being drafted by an NHL team but, at the same time, something that makes you
proud?
Lehtonen: Oh for sure. Everyone wants to talk about the draft and how
I feel about it. It is an honor just having my name mentioned by people as possibly
being an NHL goaltender. I have worked very hard and received such great support
from my teammates, coaches and family. It will be a great relief once my name
is called and I know what team takes me.
McKeen's: After your name is called at the draft, what is next for Kari
Lehtonen?
Lehtonen: After the draft we'll see what happens. Whatever team picks
me I'll see what they want to do, but the main priority will be to improve my
game. I think last season was important for me in Finland. Hopefully things
continue so that I get better and be a good goaltender one day in the NHL.
McKeen's: Have you enjoyed your experience here, even though you've
not seen any action?