Anders Koch admires Finns’ speech

Danish hockey player Different cook Play in the Kiekko-Espoo ranks in the SM League. Before his transfer to Finland, the 27-year-old defender had played his entire career in his home country. Koch has represented the Danish men’s national team in the World Cup in 2023 and 2024.

How did you end up playing sports in Finland?

It happened at the end of last season when I played in Denmark. My agent was contacted from Kiekko-Espoo. They had seen me playing at the Tampere World Cup a year earlier. They were interested in me and we signed a deal. It was a pretty easy decision. Denmark and Finland are very similar countries that represent the same values. In Finland, the slut is at a higher level, so it was very natural to move here.

Did you come alone or with your family?

I came with my girlfriend and dog. My girlfriend was here with me until January and now she went home to Denmark to complete her Master’s degree.

What was the first shock here?

Finnish terrain. Denmark is a pretty flat soil, but there are many cliffs and hills in Finland and this is a lot like Norway.

Later, the second shock was how cold the air becomes here and how much snow comes here in winter. I’ve heard that this winter hasn’t even been the worst.

What seemed easy right away?

Actually all. Life here is not so different. Grocery stores and others are pretty much the same as in Denmark. The teammates received me well. This has not really even required any adaptation.

What is the strangest Finnish way?

I don’t know if it’s strange, but you really love sauna. That’s what I’ve noticed. Most of the apartments have a sauna. We do not have the same culture in Denmark.

How does Finns communicate from Denmark?

Here things are said directly. I like it. Things are not embellished or twisted. I think communication is better here, and it is easier to understand what people expect from me.

What do you prefer to eat at a gas station on game trips?

Pasta. Chicken and rice are also always a basic choice. In the guest halls, the food is a bit different … a lot of cakes are eaten here. Not in Denmark. A good dose of pasta makes me happy.

What is the best in Espoo?

I live in Tapiola and this is a good mix of urban life and peace. Here you can reach Helsinki in 15 minutes, with all the restaurants, nightlife and shopping. It is very quiet in Tapiola. There is no stress here as in Helsinki. Espoo has a very carefree mood.

What about Espoo?

Sometimes it is annoying that when you go to the grocery store, you have to go to a big mall. I’m used to it in Denmark that supermarkets have been decentralized there and here.

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There is no stress here as in Helsinki. Espoo has a very carefree mood.

What is your favorite word in Finnish?

I use the word “thank you” most, and it’s also my favorite word. Denmark is a very similar language as Swedish and Norway, but Finland is nowhere near! You have your own language here.

What do you miss from your home country?

Sometimes I miss the fact that I could just walk a relaxed Danish locker and don’t have to speak English. English is not a problem for me, but sometimes it would be nice to speak Denmark, my mother tongue, with everyone.

I also miss my family, my girlfriend, my dog ​​and my friends.

What would you take here to your home country?

In Denmark, we are a little softer. Here I would take a little hardness and frankness to Denmark. Oh and more saunas.

You have played two men’s World Championships in your career in 2023 and 2024. This spring, Denmark will host the Games with Sweden. What thoughts do the home race evoke?

It’s one of the tournaments I have most expected. I would be very lucky if I could play at home. It would be great to be selected for the team.