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Up and coming goaltender prospect Jerry Huuveri had a busy week considering the start of the World Junior Championship and the S53 SHL draft. Now when things have calmed down a bit we had a chance to talk to the guy, who Tampa Bay drafted last night in the beginning of the second round. In the last media piece we had with Huuveri we asked about the rumours considering Huuveri's possible WJC appearance in blue and yellow. And no we are not talking about Colorado Raptors colors but the three crowns, Sweden. Back then Huuveri shot down any rumours about the matter but now we have learned that he is actually playing for Sweden in this year's WJC. How that came to happen Jerry?:
" Well I had some talks with Sweden's GM and some of my Swedish team mates from Colorado also were "kicking tires" about the matter. Then I learned that it is a possibility to represent Sweden although I'm registered to Team Finland, so I took the chance. My father, who is Swedish, was happy and he immediately called me said that welcome to the Tre Kronors and Heja Sverige and all that.  Yeah I had some backlash from Finnish media and fans about my decision but I truly believe that this was the right call."

After that WJC roster announcement there was a SHL draft happening in Montreal. Exciting times for many players, teams and fans when a very deep prospect pool gets drafted to the big leagues. Jerry Huuveri was considered by many to go somewhere in the second round, but nobody knew where or when. The Draft class had four goalie prospect who all are really promising prospects for any team. How was the draft day and were you surprised about the results?:
" Oh yeah I loved every second of it. Seeing my countrymen and team mates how got rewarded for their hard work was awesome. It is awesome to see that Finnish hockey has a great future. Guys like Bradley Barkov, Seppälä and Jukka Timonen all great people, and great hockey players. Sweden also had a great draft this year. Really happy to see a fellow Scandinavian Magnus Liljeström get drafted 1 overall as well as Sven Svenson who had a great rookie season and this is the reward.
On my behalf things went great! To be honest I had no clue who was going to draft me until the last minutes. I'm really happy to be drafted by Tampa Bay. A great organization and a great place to be in. I'm also really honored to be the first goalie to be drafted in this year's draft. Tampa Bay suits me well. If everything goes as planned, I have a great opportunity to be their number 1 goalie in the future. I really want to be The Guy for them. I feel like we can achieve great things together. Guys like Ambacas Cuddles, Valentin Kalashnikov, Frederick Wanesly and Erik Johansson are all great additions to the team and I believe that we are going to have a great future ahead of us in the sunny Tampa Bay!"

Huuveri was the first goalie to be drafted in this year's draft. He left behind three other really promising goalies. Guys like Separa Borro, A.Jobin and Frans Eller were drafted after Huuveri. Does this surprise you and does this give you any extra pressure to perform?:
It doesn't really add any pressure to be honest. If anything it gives me more motivation and self-confidence on my future. I know that I have to work hard if I ever wish to see some SHL minutes and nothing is given here. It also shows that Tampa Bay saw my potential and trusts that I will help their team in the future. Jobin and Borro are both great goalies and I wasn't sure about the order when we are going to get picked. But I would be a liar if told you that it didn't feel any good to get drafted before those guys. As Eller goes, I'm not really sure what happened there. I mean, he took the SMJHL by strom and to get drafted so low, it must have hurted a little bit. There has to be something I don't know about. It feels little fishy to be honest. But anyway I'm happy how things went. Now all I have to do is to prove my worth and be the I believe I can be."

So the draft is now behind us and a new season is about to begin. What are your expectations on yourself and the team for the S53?:
I got to work on my game and get better every night. First thing there is the WJC with Sweden. We are expecting great results from there and I have to produce. This is the first time I have a clear number 1 role at this level and it feels good. I love the responsibility. We are going for the medals for sure! Then there is of course the pre-season with Colorado. It will be great to see the guys again after offseason and catch up with them. Work on our game and get ready for a new season. Ah and the new guys Raptors drafted, I'm ecstatic to welcome them in, we have couple pranks already in mind for them. Nothing too edgy, just little bit of fun. They are Dino babies after all!
I'm expecting to have little more ice time than I had in my rookie season, but also I'm aware how good of a goalie Samat is. It will be a hard task if I want to play some extra minutes but I like the challenge. If everything goes as planned, we are going for a deep playoff run and hopefully all the way to the finals. After that anything can happen."