Translation of an interview published on Saturday.

NHL Help Adapted To Helsinki: "It’s Great To Play a Significant Role"

Four games [now five] and 1+5=6. Mathieu Perreault’s start in HIFK has been extremely strong. SuomiKiekko website met the Washington Capitals Canadian in the weekend after a victorious game against HPK.

"It’s a fast paced league. It has been great to really get responsibility and a big role here. That, if something, is motivating", said Perreault who is happy about his start in a new environment.

Perreault has in his time in the NHL been able to score respectable points playing in lines that are not counted on to make a difference, and says to have been fascinated by a new role and responsibilities.

"For example I get to play a lot on the power play, which is nice. I don’t play such an offensive role in Washington, so it really has been a lot of fun", the forward hypes. "Never in my pro career have I played such a big role. Of course in junior I had an offensive role, but I have never received such responsibilities in the NHL."

Pleased with Puck Play

As with many other players, the change to a bigger ice surface has required some adaptation. Perreault sees the change mainly as a positive one.

"You have to be more patient here, because you can’t body check as much as there is more space. But at the same time it gives you more room to work with, which I’m trying my best to take advantage of."

According to the player, the seven month break in playing has been showing. Taking that into account, the on ice performance has been even surprisingly convincing.

"I’ve felt better shift by shift. The change, to me, has not been as difficult, as I like to play with the puck and keep the puck.

Washington, Helsinki – A Capital City Is a Capital City

Perreault, who has spent parts of three seasons in the NHL, had an all-around successfull last season scoring 30 points in 64 games. How has a man from a capital city settled into another capital city – the cold and snowy Helsinki?

"It seems like a nice city. It’s a bit cold, but I think I’ll be okay once I get some warmer clothes to wear", the forward laughs.

How does a young man grown up in North America pass his free time in a completely new and alien environment?

"Movies are a good way, most of them are spoken in English after all. Mostly I’ve been wandering around the city with my girlfriend, that’s how you pass the time."

Original article available at: http://www.suomikiekko.com/2012/12/nhl-apu-sopeutunut-helsinkiin-%E2%80%9Dhienoa-saada-kunnolla-roolia%E2%80%9D/