Get2KnowYouRCoach – Riku Tuomi

Heute in unseren 4. Ausgabe haben wir unseren Goaltending-Coach Riku zu Gast und werden auch das Interview in Englisch präsentieren um euch etwas mehr von ihm zu berichten. Wie schon bei den ersten Ausgaben erklärt, wenn man nicht gerade in dem Team oder der Mannschaft ist wo der jeweilige Trainer gerade für zu ständig ist, kennt man den Namen weiß aber in den meisten Fällen nicht mehr über die Person. Hierum geht es in unserem Format „Get2KnowYouRCoach„.

• You’ve been working as a coach for the Young Roosters for a few days now. What are your first impressions of the club, how were you received?
  I’m impressed with the progress the club has made within the past few years. We have a clear vision of where we want to go with the program and everyone is working hard to achieve that. Right away I felt that people were happy to have me here. It feels good to be back.

• How did it come that you took over this job as coach of the Young Roosters? This is your second time that you are working for the Young Roosters
  Yes, I worked here in the 2019-2020 season, which ended in covid. I went back to Finland to study for 3 years, but it was clear for me that after my studies I wanted to come back. I visited the pre-season camps in the summers and last year I met Axel here. In January I got a call from him and he said the club wants to have me back 

• You back in training and the pre-camps were running, what can you say about the Goalies so far?
  They are not afraid to work hard to achieve their goals. They’re pushing each other and competing hard. That makes it really fun for me to work with them

• Most people say, that Goalies are special in every topic. Is it right that the most of the Goalies are more superstitious as the other players?
  There’s propably some truth to that. It depends on the goalie of course, but I think most goalies have some kind of routine or ritual they do before games.

• What is your goal with the Goalies this season?
  Help them achieve their goals and come one step closer to their dreams.  

• What do you enjoy about the coaching job?
  I enjoy the feeling of having my hobby as my job. It’s a privilege 

• Which trainer has particularly influenced or impressed you personally in your career?
  During my coaching career I have to say Rolf von Hedenberg (goaltending coach of Kiekko-Espoo) and Sebastian Elwing (Goaltending coach of Eisbären Berlin). Both have been important mentors for me and taught me a lot.

• Your childhood sports idol?
  Dominik Hasek and Bernd Brückler
• How did you got to hockey?
  My dad and older brother both played hockey so there was no option for me
• Your dream job (other than athlete/coach)?
  Teacher
• Which holiday destination do you absolutely want to go to?
  Australia
• Do you like to cook?
  I like to cook quite a lot. In summer there’s nothing better than a good barbeque with friends and in winters I’d go for home-made pizza
• What series are you currently watching (Netflix / Disney…)? Or did you have not time for it?
  Right now I’m watching Quarterbacks on Netflix
• Early risers or morning grouches?
  Early mornings are not my favorite thing in the world, but once I’m up I actually enjoy them. I like to sleep if I have the chance
• Which song can’t be missing on your playlist?
  Give it up – KC & The Sunshine Band
• Your most difficult moment in your sports career?
  When I was 17 I had a stress fracture in my lower back and was out for several months. That wasn’t easy.
• What was the funniest situation in your hockey career?
  We went to play a tournament in Canada with my junior team when I was 12. I remember I got the chance participate in shootout in the intermission of the Ottawa Senators game. I took my first step on NHL ice and quickly realized I had something stuck under my edge. As I took my first step on the ice I slipped and fell over on my back in front of nearly 20 000 people. I had to hustle back to the door to figure out what was wrong. At the time I was embarrassed but now it’s a funny memory.
• Who is your best buddy/confidant in the dressing room or at the bench?
  Our whole coaching staff consists of great guys and I really enjoy working with all of them. We get along very well with Nure and Sam. We’re young and have a similiar life situations so it’s always fun with those guys.
• Exists a special ritual before training or a game in the past or now?
  During winning streaks I tend to pick up a few superstitions. After a loss I change it up again

Finally, what words would you like to say to your Goalies?
There’s no growth in the comfort zone. Be 1% better every day and expand your limits.

Riku thanks a lot for your time and your answers. Wish you all the best!

In der nächsten Ausgabe von „Get2KnowYouRCoach“ ist Richard Jares, unser Head-Coach der U17, zu Gast