Hockey in Europe
After finishing a successful NCAA campaign for Manhattanville in 2018, Kevin Loppatto has spent the past several seasons playing hockey in Europe. He has spent time primarily in HockeyEttan in addition to a number of games in Allsvenskan for IF Björklöven.
Kevin was kind enough to provide some perspective for us based on his experience playing pro hockey in Europe.
Player's Name: Kevin Loppatto
Which club do you play this season?
Tegs SK in HockeyEttan. Based in Umea, Sweden
What is your favorite part about playing for your club/organization?
Style of play. Big open ice full of good skating, game speed, puck possession & movement.
# of years of pro have you played in Europe in total?
3
What's it like off the ice in Europe
Could you describe your experience of living and having the ability to play pro hockey in Europe. What is everyday life like outside of the arena in Sweden?
I enjoyed the Swedish culture very much. Very laid back community, nice and genuinely good people. Food was good, the chocolate was even we better. Very cold in the north of Sweden and mostly dark in the winter time.
How would you describe the style/level of play in HockeyEttan?
Very skill/speed league. Great skaters with speed and hockey sense. Not nearly as physical compared to North America.
How did you like playing there with the other imports both on and off the ice?
There were maybe a few imports per team. If was nice to have someone to speak English with and know you aren’t the only one who is lost when coach is talking Swedish explaining drills or before the game.
You got a favorite story or two of yours from playing hockey in Sweden & just overseas in general?
I have way to many crazy/hilarious stories I could write here. I can speak on behalf of Sweden, that I have been fortune to have played with some beauties who were an absolute riot. If you end up on a team in Sweden, you’ll most likely be surrounded by a bunch of awesome guys and have a helluva time. Like I said before, the Swedes are great people who will make sure you feel just at home.
Where do you currently reside in during the off season? What do you enjoy most during the summer while you are out of the season?
I currently split most time between New York and Florida. I enjoy the warm weather, beach, golf, and the off season training.
Last question: what's a favorite word/phrase you learned (or like using) in the foreign language over in Sweden?
“Jag är bra” (ya ma bra) .... meaning in English “I am good”... most used phrase whenever coach or someone would ask me a question or get done speaking and asked if I understood.
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