RDS.ca posted a 6-minute video interview with Red Wings prospect Joe Veleno, who discusses his experiences in Sweden with Rogle BK…In French.
I’d get more out of it if it was Swedish, honestly, and I only speak English and some German, but can I can at least offer you a rough translation of the text part of the interview:
Whatever happens with the resumption of the National Hockey League’s season, it’s certain that Quebecois forward Joe Veleno will end his season in Sweden.
On loan from the Detroit Red Wings to the Malmo Redhawks, Veleno was happy to find a league whose caliber resembles that of the AHL.
“I just wanted to play hockey a bit anywhere,” he told RDS Hockey 360. My last game was eight or nine months ago. Going to Malmo was an easy decision.”
Therefore, he signed for the season with Malmo.
“I discussed it with Detroit, and they also believed that it was a good decision because there are too many question marks about the return of the NHL [season]. The Red Wings wanted me to play a lot. I was just tired of training; I wanted to play in games.”
The 20-year-old of Kirkland [Quebec] has played in seven games so far. He’s posted a goal and two assists.
In addition to jet lag in his early days, Veleno had to adapt to another reality of European hockey in the larger rinks.
“Shifts of 45 seconds to a minute are much more difficult. I realized that you have to give your all during appearances of 35 seconds maximum.”
Veleno is a first-round pick, 30th overall by the Red Wings in 2081. He has yet to have the opportunity to play in the NHL. In the AHL, with the Grand Rapids Griffins, he scored 11 goals and 12 assists in 54 games during his first proffessional season.
