Any favourite player?
There's many, but to name few Wayne Gretzky and Jari Kurri of the Oilers era comes to mind, as well as Otakar Janecky from his Jokerit days. Also can't forget Teemu Selänne. From my own career I have upmost respect on some opponents like Cole Jones and Phil Alkievicz. After so many years I finally got lucky to get to play in same team with Alkievicz.
What caught your interest to become a Goaltender?
I made my whole DMFHL, DMSL & BHL by playing either left wing or center. In ISHL I started as a left wing again, but ended up playing every other position exept goalie during the first season. After three seasons playing as a defensive winger I felt it was time to try something new, something I had never done before, but had always wanted to try. So I switched to stop pucks instead of putting them into back of the net.
As a goalie. Who is your role model?
I think that's been easy to see from the way I've played between the pipes. I've modelled my game a lot from Ron Hextall, although I've been trying get more calmer over the years.
How do you describe your playing style?
My style has been described as unorthodox by the so called hockey gurus. I have good puck stopping skills and I'm fast and agile, could stand on my head to get in front of pucks, which is something I learned while playing as a defensive forward and blocking shots. My weaknesses are that I still haven't figured out how to skate with pads and the stick that goalies use feels really glumsy to me. Oh, and I still have a short fuse on ice that could get me into some troubles.
Is there a coach or team mate that had impact in you? Why?
Phil Alkievicz would be the one. During our time in the DMSL/BHL we had a great friendly rivalry going on. Some may have thought that we were serious in our ongoing verbal and visual battles, but the truth is that we've been good friends for long before those times.
Which was for you, the best moment of your career?
Both of the Thunder Cups I were winning were great moments, as well as the whole time got to spend with the Warbirds. Still the first Thunder Cup with the Montreal Revolution gets ahead of all great time I've got to spend with hockey and these people.
Do you find yourself as a leader and/or role model?
As a GM of the team I really hope so. I try to do my best off ice to keep things interesting for our team, but obviously my skills and time are limited and I can't do everything by myself. On ice I do whatever it takes to win the games.
Kemppinen's Helmet