Thursday, 14. March 2024 |
"Our performance is based on over 80% in the mental area" Salzburg goalkeeper Atte Tolvanen in an interview // Portrait | InterviewWhen Atte Tolvanen came to Salzburg in the fall of 2021, he was an unknown quantity in this country. In the last two and a half years, however, the Finn has blossomed into one of the best goalies in the cross-border ICE Hockey League.With experience from the NCAA and the Finnish top league, the 29-year-old has shown all his class in Salzburg, becoming champion of the win2day ICE Hockey League twice with the Red Bulls and also lifting the playoff MVP trophy in both championship seasons. The goalie is also prepared to the point in the current playoffs and holds the best save percentage after the quarterfinals (5 games) with 93.6%. The following interview with interesting insights into his life was conducted before the playoffs.
Next home game | Playoff semifinals
Tue, 19 March or Fri, 22 March
"It's important to be 100% focused in the playoffs."
Atte, you've been playing and living in Salzburg for more than two years now. How do you like it here, both athletically and privately?
I enjoy it here. It's been a fun two years so far. I love the city and on nice days the view of the mountains is unique.
In sporting terms, things could hardly have gone better for you. Two seasons, two championship titles, two playoff MVPs. How do you rate that?
That's hard to beat, of course. I hadn't been able to win a major championship before and that was always a big goal for me. The two championship titles are therefore very special, but now we're going for the third.
How would you sum up the season so far?
It's difficult to summarize everything. A lot has changed with the new coach and it also took time for the team to get used to it. In recent seasons, we've also had phases where things didn't go according to plan. These ups and downs are completely normal during a season. It's always important to find a way to get through these difficult phases. The important thing now is to be 100% focused for the playoffs.
How much does the team contribute to your success as a goalkeeper? How important is communication with the outfield players?
I would say that's the basis of success. 99% depends on communication with the team. A lot depends on how well the players in front of me perform. They have to do their job on the ice and then I have to do mine in goal. If I can trust them, then I also deliver a better performance.
The goalkeepers' training and preparation for the games is completely different to that of the outfield players. Tell us how a training or match day works for you.
I have my routines off the ice that I go through every day. Stretching, hip mobility, core training, all that stuff. On the ice, we get to the rink 15 to 20 minutes before the others and do our exercises. After training, we stay on the ice even longer. It's always a long day. There are drills that we can only do on the ice.
They say that goalkeeping is basically a sport in its own right. Do you see it that way too?
Yes. I don't know who told me that when I was younger. But he said that goalkeepers are individual athletes in a team sport. That sums it up. You have to perform for 60 minutes and do completely different things to the outfield players. You do your own thing, but you're part of a team.
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Is it difficult to unite these two "worlds"?
Yes and no. I grew up with two brothers and played with them from an early age. I love team sports and the atmosphere in the dressing room with the others. But on the other hand, you also have to do your own thing in order to perform well. Sometimes you have to keep that in mind and look after yourself.
How important is working with your goalkeeping coach Markus Kerschbaumer?
Very important. He does a really good job. He prepares us for the games, shows us video clips of the opposition and presents us with their popular moves. We then prepare for the opponents with special drills. In general, you need a good connection with the coach to perform well. He is our coach, friend and psychologist and you spend a lot of time with him.
How do you see the competitive situation with second goalkeeper David Kickert?
We are always in a certain amount of competition because he also wants to play. But we're also good friends. That's not a given, you don't have to like your second goalkeeper. But that's not the case with us.
"We're always in a certain amount of competition, but we're also good friends."
Why do goalkeepers usually have single rooms when traveling?
It helps me to stay focused before the games. I get enough sleep and am not distracted on the day before the game. For us goalkeepers, over 80% of our performance is mental. A lot depends on that and if we are clear in our heads before the game, then we can also perform well.
Is the mental aspect more important for you than for the outfield players?
I think so. You have to be on the ice for 60 minutes and don't get any breaks like the other players. We always have to be ready and react quickly to unforeseen situations.
Your brothers Joona and Eeli (in the NHL) also play ice hockey. Are you a completely crazy ice hockey family?
You could say that. My father used to play too, but only as a hobby. He also coached our teams when we were little.
Have all three of you ever played for the same club?
No, I only played with my older brother in the U20s.
You recently scored a sensational goal. Not many goalkeepers manage that. Is it your first? Did you get a lot of digital mail from fans?
No, it's my second. I already scored one in college. I got a lot of messages and people were talking to me about it. That's something you don't achieve every day and the fans were happy for me.
Let's move on to Austria: What do you like most about the culture here? What is better in Finland?
People in Austria are much more open. And in winter you get to see the sun more often in Salzburg. At home, it gets pretty dark during the day in winter. In Salzburg, you can enjoy the day outside better. But there are many more saunas in Finland. I wish we had one here in the arena, then I'd be there every day. I also have my family and friends in Finland, I really miss them here.
And when it comes to ice hockey?
When it comes to the sport, the league in Finland is more structured and balanced. Every team plays a similar system.
Finnish is a very difficult language. At least if you didn't grow up in Finland. How is your German?
Really good (laughs). German and Finnish are very different languages. I wish I'd learned Swedish at school, then I'd have an easier time with German.
What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
When the weather is good, I like to go golfing. In winter I also go cross-country skiing and of course hiking in the mountains. I try to get out into the fresh air and do something every day.
You got engaged last year. When is the wedding coming up?
The wedding is in May. We're getting married in Finland.
What does the future hold? Now the 2024 playoffs are about to start, and then?
I haven't thought about it yet. Let's see what comes next...
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Red Bulls celebrate another clear home win against Linz in the quarterfinals// WIN2DAY ICE HOCKEY LEAGUE
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Semifinal! Red Bulls again with clear 5:1 home win against Linz // WIN2DAY ICE HOCKEY LEAGUE
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Red Bulls with first match puck for the semi-finals after 3:2 victory in Linz// WIN2DAY ICE HOCKEY LEAGUE
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Red Bulls celebrate another clear home win against Linz in the quarterfinals// WIN2DAY ICE HOCKEY LEAGUE
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