We recently caught with to Saku Salminen of Jokerit in the Finnish SM-liiga! He was also drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2013 NHL Draft in the 7th Round (184th Overall). He has had plenty of experience representing his native Finland, playing in the U16,17,18, and 20! He’s a good follow on Twitter, and you can follow him on Twitter: @SakuSalminen. You can follow me on Twitter: @HkyBlogger, and like us on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/notyouraveragehockeyblog If you like our stuff please share it with your friends! It helps alot!

Without further to do, here is our interview with Saku Salminen! As per usual, we are in bold.

First question, how has your day been?

I just woke up and hit the gym. I just came back home and now I’m going to take a nap and then go play golf with my friends.

So what’s a normal day like in the life of Saku Salminen?

Well I graduated from high school earlier this spring so I don’t have any school work to do any school work. I usually wake up before 10am and do some kind of practicing. After, I try to eat healthy and take a little nap. Afterwards, I like to hang out with my friends and family. Nothing special really. Maybe a round of golf.

How important is eating healthy?

It’s the key to having a successful hockey career. When you eat well you feel well and that’s how you play well.

So do you have a “cheat” food, you’re not really supposed to eat but you eat anyways?

Chocolate is my weakness. I can leave everything else out, like candy and chips but I just have to eat chocolate. Usually I have like one day a week that I let myself eat like pizza or something like that.

Ohhh chocolate haha. On to hockey, what was it like being drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning? Could you take us back to what you were feeling?

It was great! It was a little surprise, but when i heard that I was drafted by Lightning I was thrilled! It was so amazing to hear it. I couldn’t believe that it was true.

Is there someone in the Lightning organization you can’t wait to play with?

Of course. To play with the superstars like Stamkos and St.Louis would be a dream come true. I played with Nikita Kucherov at the development camp and I really enjoyed playing with him.

What has been the highpoint of your career so far?

There have been few moments. When I was playing for HIFK we won U18 Finnish championship. Also my first elite league game and of course the U18 and U20 WJC. And of course, getting drafted in to the NHL by as great as a team as the Tamp Bay Lightning.

What about your lowpoint?

All of my biggest injuries. It’s hard to be injured and watch games among the crowd. Also losing U20 Finnish Championship Finals 2011.

The next part is a rapid fire round, don’t think just answer.

Ready?

Favourite Food?

Big grilled steak with garlic potatoes is always good!

What’s on your iPod?

Spotify! Of course with all kind of music.

xBox or PS3?

PS3 one and only.

Favourite TV Show?

Theres so many, but “Suits” is my favourite.

Backyard barbecue or fancy dinner?

I prefer backyard barbecue. Its cosier and more relaxing. I like chilling around.

Final questions:

Who should we interview next?

You could interview Joonas Korpisalo, the goalies for Helsingin Jokerit, U20 Finnish national team and Blue Jackets draft pick.

If you had to give one piece of advice to aspiring hockey players what would it be?

Dream big, believe in your dreams, work hard and someday you could be living your dream.

Thank you for your time!

Thank you.

Photocreds: Twitter.com