ENL feature – Sami Narkia

BLACKBURN, UK –

Sami Narkia’s signing by Blackburn Hawks is big news for a club who’ve been in the doldrums for so long. With Finland ranked second in the world, Narkia hails from a country capable of producing players of the highest calibre. Hawks’ Player/Coach Jared Owen is confident his new forward will prove to be an inspired signing, describing the Finn as “a marquee import who’ll be a big asset to the team.” He began figure skating aged 4, but saw ice hockey being played on another part of the ice and quickly decided that’s what he wanted to do. He worked his way through the juniors, ending up in the ‘A’ series before moving into the senior game. After spells in 2 Divisioona, Narkia joined EHC Red Devils, Helsinki in Suomi-sarja – the third level of Finnish hockey – where players are paid to play. Fellow Finn Peter Väisänen currently plays for Kemin Lämärit in the same league, and racked up 100 points for the ENL’s Invicta Dynamos in 2009/10, before moving up to the EPL with Sheffield Steeldogs, which shows Narkia’s potential ability. He came to the UK in the summer to study International Business Management at Wolverhampton University, and tried to gain a place on a UK roster. “I enquired at Coventry Blaze, who told me they were only interested in signing AHL players, before trying out with Telford Tigers. Coach Tom Watkins was impressed, but they were sorted for imports so I tried the Titans ENL team.” Titans asked Narkia to pay his own ITC fee and when Hawks swooped in with an offer to pay this, he agreed to sign for Blackburn. “As a full-time student, I was struggling to find the money I needed for my ITC. When Jared told me some Hawks fans would pay this for me, it was an easy decision to make. As soon as I saw the facilities I knew Blackburn were the team for me.” Narkia admitted he’d be happy to stay beyond this season as the Hawks fit well with his studies, but didn’t rule out a return to Finland in the future to try and play at a higher level. His heroes range from Jari Kurri to Teemu Selänne, suggesting he has an eye for talent when he sees it, but it’s a legendary Russian who Narkia tries to emulate. “My biggest influence is Pavel Bure, with his talent to skate unbelievably fast and still maintain perfect control of the puck,” he said. “Additionally his accurate wrist shots and perfect passing, has made me train the way I train, in order to apply his methods of playing to my own.” Having only played in Finland, Narkia’s introduction to the UK game has been a shock to the system. “The game here is different – there’s no fighting back home! I was told my first game against Whitley Warriors would be physical with lots of hits and checks, and it was certainly more aggressive than Finland. I’m not sure how to drop the gloves yet, but I’m sure I’ll learn if I need to.” The excitement caused by his arrival in Blackburn surprised Narkia, and he was keen to thank his new team-mates and fans. “Everyone in the dressing-room has welcomed me – they’re a great bunch of guys. I love that the fans are so interactive with the team too – they really care. I hope I can play my part in a successful team this year.” Narkia reserved his biggest thanks for Hawks fans Joan and Eddie Brigdale – “Without their sponsorship I wouldn’t be able to afford to play, so I’m really grateful for what they’ve done. I want to do my best to prove I’m worth their support.” The Hawks and Narkia seems a match made in heaven – a team crying out for a boost and a talented player with a point to prove. The next few months in Blackburn could be quite special. Contact the author at: michael.black@prohockeynews.com