U17 Interviews: Mikko Lehtonen
The first in a series of interviews conducted by McKeen’s correspondent Robert Neuhauser at the recent Under-17 Four Nations Tournament in the Czech Republic. Next: MoDo forward Johan Nilsson.
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Position: forward
Team: Blues Espoo (Finland)
Born: April, 1st, 1987
Height: 6'2.5''
Weight: 185 lbs
Shoots: R
When did you start playing hockey?
I began to attend hockey practices when I was three years old.
Where did you start playing hockey?
The team where I started playing was the Jaahonka team. But when I was thirteen years old, I received an offer to join the Blues Espoo team and joined their system.
Who directed your first hockey steps?
This was my dad. He is a huge hockey fan and even if he didn't play the game professionally, he still likes to play for fun. He took me to the first practices and gave me the first tips.
Did you always play forward?
Yeah, I'm happy with performing at forward and don't want to change it.
What is your biggest success in hockey so far?
Well, I didn't achieve something real big. But I appreciate the fact that I made the Finnish junior national team and can play for the Under-17 team this season. At the Four Nations Tournament in the Czech Republic I was also voted the Best player of the game Russia-Finland.
Who is your hockey role model?
I admire the play of the Czech star Jaromir Jagr from the New York Rangers. Simply because all the guys like him, he is a terrific skater and stickhandler.
Your favorite NHL team?
I tend to cheer for the Vancouver Canucks. When I watched them play, they showed really good hockey and have quality players on their roster.
Would you like to play in the CHL next season or do you prefer to stay at home?
I'm probably going to stay in Finland for the next season. I tend to take the European route to the NHL more than the route through major junior leagues in Canada.
Do you have an agent?
No, till now I don't have anyone who represents me.
Do you have a favorite number you like to wear on your jersey?
I feel happy when I play with number 13 on my back. The main reason for this is that Teemu Selanne played with number 13 on his jersey in his rookie season with the Winnipeg Jets as he broke the NHL rookie scoring record. And the second reason is that lots of people think that 13 is a 'bad luck number' and I just don't believe in it!
How would you describe yourself as a player?
I think that my skating is one of my strong points, just like smooth puckhandling. I can score and pass, but I definitely have to further develop my play off the puck, I feel this is my weak side.
Have you had any serious injury in your previous career?
Well, the first came just two months ago. I had to sit out five weeks with an injured hip flexor.
Do you have any pre-game superstitions?
I have a couple of them. The first is that I put on the hockey gear always with the right side first. And the second is that I re-tape the blade of my stick after every period, I'm used to these two things.
What do you do in your free time?
I like to spend my free time with my girlfriend. When I meet also my friends, then we often play soccer. I even played organized soccer, so I try not to miss this opportunity. I also attend a high school, this year is the first of my studies. Lastly, I prefer to listen to rock'n'roll music in my free time.
Do you have a nickname?
Yeah, friends call me 'Bambi'. But it has nothing to do with the Walt Disney figure, it's a long story to tell.
And your hockey dreams?
I would like to play in the NHL someday!