Episode Transcript
[00:00:05] Speaker A: Cameron. Hi. Great to have you here. How's it going?
[00:00:08] Speaker B: Good, good. How are you?
[00:00:09] Speaker A: I'm good, I'm good. Your first time on Finnish radio, I believe.
[00:00:13] Speaker B: Yes, it is honored. Thanks for having me.
[00:00:16] Speaker A: Great. So how's everyday life in Finland treating you now that you've been here for a couple of months?
[00:00:22] Speaker B: It's been good, it's been good.
I really like having Lena. It's been nice getting used to grocery stores and different kind of places to go and just kind of enjoying the nature, scenery.
The weather's starting to get a little darker, which is making the nights a little longer, but I've been enjoying it.
[00:00:42] Speaker A: Grocery stores.
Have you found what you've been looking for? Yes.
[00:00:46] Speaker B: Yeah, it took me definitely five or six times, but now I kind of know what I'm looking for. Now I can translate the, the word so it helps a bit.
[00:00:57] Speaker A: Sounds great.
Newmarket, Ontario, you're from there?
I looked on it. So the town or city looks about the same size as Hamelina. Is that so?
[00:01:12] Speaker B: Yeah, yeah, I would say it's similar for sure.
Yeah, it's very similar and it's like the same distance from to Toronto as I think Jamalina is to Helsinki too. So it's kind of got that suburb vibe and you can take the train in. So yeah, I think it's very similar.
[00:01:27] Speaker A: Okay, so you came in September. New country, new team, new style of hockey. How's the adjustment been, hockey wise?
[00:01:35] Speaker B: It's been good, it's been good.
A lot of, A lot of learning, a lot of trying to figure out Finnish style of play.
There's been some success and some failures, but it's been a good start from me and the team and I'm excited to be back and try and help us win some more games here before Christmas.
[00:01:53] Speaker A: What's surprised you the most about Finland or the Finnish League so far? Either on or off the ice?
[00:02:01] Speaker B: Off the ice. I think that I've been surprised at like just how nice everyone is and how, especially in Hamilna, how much of like everyone knows about Ho Peco and the team. Like they follow it very well back home. There's so many teams in Ontario that it's maybe a little harder but. And then on the ice, I actually said this earlier this week just how good everyone is. Like, I didn't know a lot about the league before getting here, but everyone's just like there's so many good hockey players on our team, on other teams, like everyone can skate, everyone can play. So that's definitely impressed me.
[00:02:37] Speaker A: Now you got to experience the finish fall.
The sun's gone by 4pm how are you handling the darkness so far?
[00:02:46] Speaker B: It's surprising how quickly four o' clock comes.
Definitely it's been fine. Like I'm not. I'm usually home, done my stuff anyways, just hanging out. But it's definitely darker than I'm used to, but it's been fine. The weather's still been warm, so I'll take that. I'll take the darkness over the cold.
[00:03:07] Speaker A: Yeah, we are heavy coffee drinkers here in Finland.
[00:03:09] Speaker B: Yes, I believe it.
[00:03:12] Speaker A: What do you think about the rhythm on traveling to away games here in Finland? Are the distances manageable and is the game schedule at a good pace for you?
[00:03:22] Speaker B: Yeah, it's definitely.
I've been, I was in the American League, which is a lot more travel than here. So this has been really nice.
You know, I'm used to hotel every other night, on the road, on the bus a lot. So this is great. You know, two hour, three hour trips is pretty easy. And you know, I think sleeping in your own bed a lot is great. And I think Himalayan especially is a great spot. Pretty central for everyone. And yeah, pace of games is nice. You know, there's only been a few, three games a week, which has been nice for practicing and kind of developing your skills.
[00:03:59] Speaker A: You're 27 years old and you've had quite a journey already for Finnish fans who maybe don't know that North American system too well. How would you describe your hockey path so far?
[00:04:15] Speaker B: That's a good question. I would say it's.
My path is becoming the new normal. I think I, I was very old when I turned pro. I turned pro at 24 after five years of going to college, NCAA.
But I think that's becoming more common just with the ability to go to college and how good of hockey NCAA is and then coming out of college. Yeah, I just kind of. I feel like I've grinded a few years of playing in the East Coast Hockey League and then two years in the American League and you know, playing in Edmonton. Oiler system.
I think that I'm probably a little bit more of a late bloomer, but I do think that more people from where I'm from will be coming to going to NCAA and then playing in pro and then, you know, I think we've seen the last few years there's a lot more players coming to Europe just because of realizing how good the hockey is and how many leagues there are for you to go to.
[00:05:13] Speaker A: What's the biggest difference Between Canadian junior leagues and college hockey, just the age.
[00:05:21] Speaker B: Like in college you have. Like I said I was 23. Like, you have a lot of men, juniors still boys, you know, 17, 18, 19. I think college is just strong men.
You know, you only play 30 games a year, so lots of time to be working out off the ice and practicing. And I think it's just. You can tell how strong everyone is.
[00:05:43] Speaker A: Well, the systems are obviously a bit different between North America and Europe.
Here in Europe, clubs usually run both senior and junior teams.
So you get a taste.
You got a taste of junior, have practice last week, I guess.
How was that?
[00:06:06] Speaker B: Yeah, I think that I really like that system. I think that builds internal pride and team pride, you know, going all the way from the senior team all the way down to. What is it? U8, U6.
I think it's awesome way to do it.
I think that North America should adapt that more because it is cool. And yeah, I thought the junior guys are awesome. Every time we practice with them last week or they come and practice with us, I think they're really good, they're really skilled and they want to get better, which is exciting. And that's what you want, right?
[00:06:39] Speaker A: Exactly. Well, looking back, what were some of the key moments or lessons from those years that really shaped you as a player?
[00:06:52] Speaker B: I think I've had a lot of setbacks, or not setbacks, but some adversity.
I've never been the best player on my team. I've never been, you know, the guy that everyone turns towards. So I've kind of, you know, just had to grind my way and work hard and just kind of learn that, you know, your time does come and you. If you keep playing the game the right way, it'll.
You'll get rewarded. So I think just like going to. Going to NCAA was really big for me, taught me to be, like I said, be a man and taught me to build confidence. Right. That's what hockey players need, is confidence. So that was really big for me. And then I think my second year of pro, when I was in the American League and I signed an NHL deal with Edmonton, I think was a really big, like, rewarding step of like, you know, you're doing the right thing and things are going the right direction. So just kind of taking that step of just, you know, if you work hard and play the right way, that things come, things come to you.
[00:07:53] Speaker A: Well, I saw your stats, and it seems to me that you've always been a good scorer, lots of points, so it sounds kind of strange. That you're telling here that you've never been one of the biggest players on our teams.
Is it a new role now that you are one of the best scorers on this team?
[00:08:20] Speaker B: Yeah, I guess maybe I've.
I've put up some points, but I feel like it's always been.
I've had to work my way to get there. Right. Start on the third line or fourth line and move your way up type of thing is kind of what I mean.
But yeah, here I think I've been put in a great opportunity. We have a really good team.
I would like to be a big part of the team and produce because I think I can help the team win. But yeah, like you said, it's definitely a newer role for me, a leadership role.
Even though I've only been here for two months, I think with a lot of ice time and stuff, I can take a big step and help this team push towards top four.
[00:09:02] Speaker A: This is your first time playing in Europe.
What made HBK and Finland feel like the right next step for you at this point in your career?
[00:09:12] Speaker B: I think it was just great conversations with Mamba and Kai and, you know, talking to other people about HPK and the organization and the location and kind of league in general. Just learning that it isn't. It's a step forward still, even though I'm leaving North America, it's a step forward and it's a great league to build confidence and play really good hockey. And I think, like I said, just having really good conversations with Mamba and Kai seemed like a good set.
[00:09:44] Speaker A: Well, as we already discussed, you've been one of the top scorers on a team. You made an impact right away after stepping on the ice. What's the first highlight that comes to your mind from this season so far?
[00:10:02] Speaker B: It would have been the second game we played. I think that was Coco Espo at home. Second game that I played. When we won the game in overtime, I think that was super exciting.
We scored a goal with an empty net to tie the game up against a really good team. And then Eretz scored in overtime.
And just seeing the fans and just everybody reacting and how happy it was, that was definitely my highlight of the year so far.
[00:10:27] Speaker A: Then there was this Tapara game. Things got a little heated in front of the net.
Then the refs gave you that second misconduct and you got sent off from the penalty box. What actually happened in that game?
[00:10:43] Speaker B: I think I just took it too far.
I think I disrespected the ref a little bit and he Kind of had enough of me, which was understandable. I think I was just trying to be passionate and, you know, I went over the line.
[00:11:00] Speaker A: So.
[00:11:02] Speaker B: Yeah, I think it was a mistake on my part and unfortunately it resulted in me leaving the game. But luckily the team pulled through and won that one.
[00:11:13] Speaker A: During the first OLO game, you got suspended for four games after swinging your arm at the opponent.
How do you feel about that incident now? Do you think that decision was fair?
[00:11:24] Speaker B: Yes. Yeah, I do. I think that obviously, again, it was just a heat of the moment accident.
We were losing the game. I shouldn't have stuck my elbow out or whatever it was and hit him in the face. And I'm happy he's okay. He wasn't hurt from it. But, you know, I think that four games was the decision. It was. And, you know, I think it's good because it allows me to take a step back and learn from it. And, you know, I feel like LIGA felt like they punished me properly and now I can kind of have a fresh start starting tomorrow and kind of make sure I get on the ref's good side and liga's good side.
[00:12:05] Speaker A: Many fans thought one or two games would have been enough, so.
[00:12:09] Speaker B: But yeah, hey, not my call.
[00:12:13] Speaker A: All right.
The coaching staff keeps telling me that you're a real gentleman off the ice and also very smart and coachable on the ice. Do you agree?
[00:12:27] Speaker B: Smart.
I'll take it.
[00:12:30] Speaker A: I'll take it.
[00:12:31] Speaker B: I haven't been called smart too many times in my life, but I like to think I'm a happy go, lucky guy.
I'm super appreciative and grateful to be given this opportunity to be here.
The coaching staff and Kai have been amazing towards me, so I really appreciate them saying those things. And yeah, again, I think I'm super lucky to be playing hockey and playing professional hockey. And I kind of try and take that attitude and then, yeah, coachable wise, there's, you know, there's so many things I can learn from this league and this coaching staff to just be better hockey players. So I'm trying to do that with open arms.
[00:13:12] Speaker A: What kind of discussions have you had with the coaching staff? I mean, how do you find that balance between being that emotional spark and staying out of the box?
[00:13:24] Speaker B: I think that's exactly it. Finding the balance, right. I play with a lot of passion, play with a lot of emotion.
I'm learning the Finnish culture and the way to play here is maybe a little different than what I'm used to. And like you said, the conversation with the coaches have been great. They've been super patient with me, and just we've been talking about different things that I can focus on that allow me to be on the ice and not in the penalty box, because we would love me on the ice, ideally.
[00:13:56] Speaker A: Absolutely. Well, the fans have really noticed your energy and attitude and that you play with a lot of emotions and fire, as you said.
Do you think that emotional itch is something every team needs, not just for scoring, but for team energy overall?
[00:14:16] Speaker B: Yes, I do. I think if you look at the best teams in any sport but hockey especially, there is a lot of energy, right? There's 22 guys bringing each other into battle, into war. There's guys sticking up for each other. I think hockey is a beautiful game in that we have respect for each other, but we stick up for each other and, you know, we take care of the moments on the ice together. And I think the energy and passion is something that everyone can use. I'm not saying that I'm really good.
[00:14:48] Speaker A: At it or not.
[00:14:49] Speaker B: I just. I think that hockey in general is a passionate, emotional sport. And I think it. You look at championship teams and they bring that energy every night because it is a long season and you need guys, you need players to bring that energy for sure.
[00:15:03] Speaker A: While hockey is entertainment, after all. So do you think it's important for a player to be entertaining?
[00:15:11] Speaker B: Yeah, I don't know if it means necessarily, like fighting or getting suspended, but I think that, yeah, you want to bring energy because we feed off the fans a lot.
[00:15:20] Speaker A: Right.
[00:15:21] Speaker B: If it's a Saturday night here when there's a lot of fans, we feed off it. So if we can have them be energized, that gets us energized. And I think that momentum helps the team win games because, you know, if you win games, it's entertaining.
[00:15:39] Speaker A: When you're not playing or practicing. What do you like to do here? Have you picked up any Finnish habits yet, such as drinking too much coffee?
[00:15:49] Speaker B: I've tried to control my coffee. I'm getting better at, you know, I used to be a one cup a day, but now I'm up to two or three because that's the Finnish culture. A nice afternoon cup of coffee, doing lots of sauning, because I think that seems to be the thing. I was doing some golfing, but the weather's not quite good enough anymore.
So, yeah, not too. Too much just spending time with teammates and hanging out and just enjoying, like, you know, walking around, walking along the river or the lake.
[00:16:17] Speaker A: And it's been nice while Talking about teammates, you have one fellow countryman on the team, but he's a goalie.
And as we know, goalies are something else.
Who do you hang out with?
[00:16:32] Speaker B: Yeah, I would say I hang out with Mark. Mark the most. Just, you know.
[00:16:36] Speaker A: Even though he's a goalie.
[00:16:37] Speaker B: Yeah, exactly. He's not too weird, luckily, but we just have a lot in common and can share a lot of common interests. But I spend a lot of time with a lot of guys.
Really spent a lot of time with Laurie Certi. He's a guy that we hung out with last week quite a bit. And then, yeah, I've been seeing. Been seeing more and more guys just kind of outside of the rink, which has been nice.
[00:17:00] Speaker A: Yeah, Laurie is. You can say he's a half North American.
[00:17:04] Speaker B: Yes. It always helps because he's. His English is perfect. Having spent so many years in ncaa.
[00:17:10] Speaker A: Right. Well, you already mentioned Saurona. Have you tried it? You've tried it?
[00:17:16] Speaker B: Yes. Yeah. Yeah, I'm getting pretty good at it. I'm not quite as good as a lot of the fins, but I'm getting better. I'm getting better.
[00:17:24] Speaker A: What about having a cold plunge afterwards? Have you tried that one yet?
[00:17:29] Speaker B: Yes, actually.
[00:17:29] Speaker A: Oh, really?
[00:17:30] Speaker B: Last week we went to Helsinki to the Alice pool.
[00:17:35] Speaker A: Okay.
[00:17:35] Speaker B: So we did the sauna and then went into the sea, which was really fun. And Pet K is going to hopefully have us over, he said, because he lives on the lake. To sauna and then cold plunge. So I'm excited about.
[00:17:46] Speaker A: All right, sounds great.
Okay, now be honest. Have you learned any Finnish soap yet?
[00:17:52] Speaker B: I've learned a little bit, yes. A little bit.
[00:17:55] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:17:56] Speaker B: Some. I've picked up some hockey words and then some.
We play cards on the bus. So that's helped me. Helped me learn my numbers. Numbers and then.
[00:18:05] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:18:05] Speaker B: And say a couple things, but it's a hard language.
[00:18:08] Speaker A: Yeah. What. What hockey words or phrases do you know?
[00:18:12] Speaker B: I know Pocky.
[00:18:13] Speaker A: Right.
[00:18:14] Speaker B: I know Malay.
[00:18:17] Speaker A: Okay.
[00:18:20] Speaker B: I got a couple more, but I can't think of them. And then I know, like, un Cox Goleme. Okay.
Bc that's all I got.
[00:18:30] Speaker A: These are the most important. Where you need.
Well, Cameron, before we wrap up, what's your personal goal for the rest of the season and is there something you want to give to HPK fans and your teammates?
[00:18:46] Speaker B: My goal for the rest of the season would be first off to be a top four team. I think we have the ability to be a top four team by the end of the season. Obviously, there's a lot of parity. In the league, and we're going to have to win some games, but I think that's definitely something that we're striving towards.
And then, personally, for me, just be a part of the team and be on the ice and produce a lot. I think that I have a great opportunity to be a big player for this team. So just kind of stay on the ice, not get suspended anymore, and really work hard and be someone that HPK fans and be trusting in.
[00:19:27] Speaker A: Cameron, thank you so much for your time and for joining us. All the best for the rest of the season, Kidos.
[00:19:32] Speaker B: Thank you. Yeah.
[00:19:33] Speaker A: All right. Thank you.
[00:19:34] Speaker B: Thanks. Awesome.
[00:19:36] Speaker A: All right.
[00:19:37] Speaker B: Yeah. That was great. Lots of questions.
[00:19:40] Speaker A: Yeah, lots of them.
[00:19:41] Speaker B: That was great. Thank you.
[00:19:42] Speaker A: Thank you.
