Fans’ favourite and all round nice guy Ismo Rokala makes a welcome return to the Lancashire Hawks this season much to the relief of the management in desperate in need of a sizeable squad and some good fortune. A number of injuries and the recent loss of top goal scorer Adrian Lomonaco, who jetted back to Canada on Tuesday to be with his parents, victims of a serious car accident means the Hawks problems are mounting high with just four home matches left before the playoffs.
"We have been very unlucky but we have a lot of good guys, particularly British players like Millsy, Tommo and Tim and experience in Bobby and Neil. What we need to do is work as a unit, " Ismo Rokala replied when asked of the Hawks chances in the playoffs, during a recent training session. "We’ve had to use different styles when playing against teams like Guildford and Telford. Some of the other teams have almost ten imports at their club and we have only two." Ismo’s return came about when he received a phone call soon after another Fin, Mika Pynnonen departed the team. "A few days before, I had been offered another job but when I was called, I was happy to come back. I like it here, they have good parties!"
At 32 years old, avoiding injury and keeping fit is essential. "Other than breaking my tooth, I’ve been quite lucky. I twisted my knee which took me 7 months to recover from. I have friends who play in the NHL, who I train with during the summer which is really good for me. Injuries and sticking to a strict diet are taken very seriously there." Ismo began playing hockey at the age of six because all his friends played. In Finland, they have natural ice pads which made it more accessible for youngsters, which Ismo sees as the main problem in British development, although he insists its getting better. Ismo has played for a number of teams in Europe along with his first spell in Britain in 1986, playing for the Lee Valley Lions. He believes that although it separates the divisions, the Superleague is very good for British Ice Hockey and that it is in the same league as the German, French and Italian teams. As for the future, well speaking to Ismo doesn’t give me the impression that retirement is on the cards just yet. He loves the game and seems to like Blackburn (particularly the bar and parties!) Him returning next season appears unlikely, but we’ll keep our fingers crossed anyway!
Louise Riley speaking to Ismo Rokala.