Since he first stepped out on the ice in September, D-man Aku Pekkarinen has been winning the hearts of many fans. He has demonstrated a strong work ethic and drive to defend and work with his team through adversity and victory alike. He was rewarded in December by you the fans when you chose to vote for him as your Player of the Month for November.
We sat down with him not long after he received his trophy to talk about winning the award and the importance of the fans for him and the team.
S.W.S.C: Congratulations on being voted as the Supporters Player of the Month.
Aku: I would like to say thanks to the fans. It's really nice to have fans, both at home games and away games. I respect that so many fans are coming to the away games too. It's a great feeling to have your own group cheering you. And the noise! I have a lot of time for these fans.
S.W.S.C: So, what do you think it is you did that made people vote for you?
Aku: I don't know. I just try to play my own game and help the team as much as possible. I just try to work hard and give everything, every night.
S.W.S.C: Do you think it is fair to say that the defence have had to work a bit harder this month?
Aku: Yeah, of course. We haven't won much games so that is always a lot of pressure. You just have to deal with the pressure and keep playing as hard as you can.
SWSC: What is the atmosphere like in the changing rooms at the moment? How are the team feeling?
Aku; It's a good atmosphere. Everyone is working hard and trying to get better. We've been really unlucky with some games and there are some injuries and stuff so, I think we are sometimes being pushed. That just makes us stronger for the rest of the year.
SWSC: So what would you say to the fans? Why do they need to stay behind and keep supporting the Wildcats?
Aku: It is so important to have our fans support in every game. It keeps you going.
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Aku: I would like to say thanks to the fans. It's really nice to have fans, both at home games and away games. I respect that so many fans are coming to the away games too. It's a great feeling to have your own group cheering you. And the noise! I have a lot of time for these fans.
S.W.S.C: So, what do you think it is you did that made people vote for you?
Aku: I don't know. I just try to play my own game and help the team as much as possible. I just try to work hard and give everything, every night.
S.W.S.C: Do you think it is fair to say that the defence have had to work a bit harder this month?
Aku: Yeah, of course. We haven't won much games so that is always a lot of pressure. You just have to deal with the pressure and keep playing as hard as you can.
SWSC: What is the atmosphere like in the changing rooms at the moment? How are the team feeling?
Aku; It's a good atmosphere. Everyone is working hard and trying to get better. We've been really unlucky with some games and there are some injuries and stuff so, I think we are sometimes being pushed. That just makes us stronger for the rest of the year.
SWSC: So what would you say to the fans? Why do they need to stay behind and keep supporting the Wildcats?
Aku: It is so important to have our fans support in every game. It keeps you going.
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'It doesn't matter who wins awards, it is about 20 guys working hard out there.'
This coming weekend see the Cats travel to Manchester to take on the Manchester Phoenix. The Phoenix have been sitting in the top three portion of the table so far this season and have proven a tough team for the Wildcats so far. With this recent change has also come a distinct hike in confidence and positivity.
According to Aku, 'Guildford and Manchester are both good teams and it's nice to think we can compete with those.'
We wish the boys the best of luck on Sunday!
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