Red Wings prospect Joe Veleno spoke with Hockeynews.se’s Mattias Persson regarding his start with the SHL’s Malmo Redhawks. Here’s a rough translation of the Swedish article:
NHL-loaned forward about his form and first time in Malmö: “Will get into it”
He is seen as one of Detroit’s biggest hopes for the future.But the transition from North America to the SHL and Swedish hockey has not been entirely easy for NHL loan Joe Veleno so far.
“I get to play a lot, and in many important situations, so I will get into it,” he says to HockeyNews.se.
It happened after Malmo finished signing Joe Veleno in early October. After a few days, the parties had agreed [on a contract], and Joe Veleno flew to Malmo just an hour after the agreement was signed.
Now the Canadian has played in his first two games with the team, but so far he’s at zeroes in the points column–and he feels that he has a few more levels to go.
“It was good for me to get into these two games quickly so that I got to feel how the game works. There were no good games for us, but we will find our way back to our game against Frolunda. I get to play a lot, and in many important situations, so I’ll get into it with time.”
The center is still adapting to the big ice–and a different way of playing.
“It’s a small change compared to North America. There are much larger spaces to go to and you have more time with the puck here, so it will take a few games for me to find my position in the team and my game with the stick. I will start creating more, as long as I continue to work hard,” he says.
Why did you and Detroit choose Malmo?“We tried to find a place where I could play a lot, and continue to develop, while I wait for the season to start at home. There were some offers, but I felt that this offer was good for me. Being in Sweden and playing in the SHL, which is the world’s third-best league, benefits my development.”
The 20-year-old from Montreal is seen as one of Detroit’s biggest prospects, and the NHL team strongly believes in him for the future.
“They see me as a future NHL player, and they want me to get there within a few years. I feel a lot of trust from the entire organization,” he says.
How did the first time go?
“It was a lot of fun. I’ve really liked everything so far. Now it’s about trying to get into the league and the different kind of game, but I’m on my way.”
Have you had time to experience the city at all?“I haven’t had much experience with Malmo yet. I have spent most of the time in the arena or on the bus, so I have almost only had time to practice, play matches, cook and sleep. When I get the chance to experience a little, I will do it. I have heard many good things about the city.”
On Tuesday night, Malmo gets a chance for revenge after two straight losses. This is when the top team Frolunda comes to visit the arena.
“They are high up in the standings, so we will have to play a really good game. We want to bounce back from the last two games and find our way back onto a winning track,” he says.
