The journey to Davos will be a return trip for Karpat defenseman Atte Ohtamaa. The 37-year-old has already made two Spengler Cup appearances and, in addition, played 18 games for HC Lugano during the 2019-20 season.

Atta Ohtamaa is a veteran, who has experienced a lot in his career, having played in Finland, the KHL, and in Switzerland. And he has also celebrated many successes; he won the KHL, was Finnish champion, captured three world championship silver medals, was a world champion twice, and an Olympic champion. As for many other Finnish ice hockey stars, the 2021-22 season, with the historic double of world championship and Olympic titles, was without a doubt the highlight of Ohtamaa’s career. He says, ‘I am simply happy to have been a part of those two triumphs. 2022 gave me a ton, both as a human and as a player. I was lucky to be good enough for the national team and am extremely proud of that.’

The veteran’s guest appearances in Switzerland were less successful. He did not leave a lasting impression at HC Lugano five years ago and did not make any positive headlines at the Spengler Cup with Jokerit Helsinki in 2014 and 2015 either – they mustered up only one win against Lugano in those games. ‘It was strange for us, playing our first season in the KHL, then travelling to Davos in the middle of the season without a break, which was difficult. I hope that it will now turn out better with Karpat, as we can play full of energy after a short break prior to Christmas.’

Even if Ohtamaa has no success stories to relate to the Spengler Cup, his excitement for his third appearance is huge. As he says, ‘it is fantastic to be a part of it again. It is just a very nice tournament. The atmosphere, the mood, all the games sold out, so many fans in the stadium and in the entire town – that was somehow surreal.’
This year, Karpat will face Gotteron and Pardubice, two opponents which Ohtamaa rates very highly, in the group stage. At the same time, the defenseman hopes that his team will have a convincing showing in Davos and ideally, even follow in the footsteps of KalPa, which has been the only Finnish team to hoist the trophy in Davos so far. ‘It encourages us that KalPa did it. We want to do the same and it is also possible’, says Ohtamaa, who also advocates for his team. ‘I believe we have a strong team and very good players. It is worth watching our games!’
But what is the reason that Karpat has not yet hit its stride in the national championship, only sitting in the middle of the standings? ‘We weren’t good enough on defense especially early in the season, we defended poorly. But we have improved there’, says the defenseman. But the offense was better, proven by the fact that the team has created plenty of scoring opportunities, says Ohtamaa, who expects high-level Spengler Cup games. ‘There are many strong teams, which are even being reinforced, taking part. It is a wonderful tournament with a unique atmosphere, which helps us players to elevate our game even more.’
Atte Ohtamaa raves about the Spengler Cup, about Switzerland. He also praises our ice hockey. On the one hand, the national team, but also the league, which he considers ‘definitely the best in Europe’ – thanks to the good Swiss players and high-level imports, including more than 30 Finnish professionals. He says he enjoyed his time in Lugano and would welcome the opportunity to play in Switzerland again if the opportunity presented itself. ‘I would like to play a few more years but I am also aware of my age’, says the 37-year-old. But he can make a case for himself in Davos either way.

Text: SLAPSHOT, das Hockey-Magazin der Schweiz   Foto: IMAGO/Vesa Popponen/All Over Press