The German DEL's September Player of the Month is Glen Metropolit of Adler Mannheim. After the team's last CHL game in Prague, the veteran forward spoke about different styles of play around Europe and his transition to a new league and team.
by Derek O'Brien
PRAGUE – Adler Mannheim's Glen Metropolit was named the DEL's Player of the Month for September. The 40-year-old Canadian forward recorded two goals and 10 assists in six German league games during the month, and also contributed two goals and two assists in five Champions Hockey League games.
After Mannheim's last CHL contest of the season, a 6–3 defeat at the hands of Sparta Prague, he spoke about how his team played throughout the competition, and adjusting to a new team and new league, something that's nothing new to the veteran who is playing on his 17th team in his seventh league in his 20th professional season.
Your team had a slow start tonight, out-shot 22–4 in the first period. Did the fact that you had no chance to advance to the playoff stage have anything to do with that?
You never want to lose, but we had that tough first period and then I thought we played well the last two periods. But that's hockey. It was a good game and they had the home crowd behind them, and they're a good team over there.
Is it difficult getting up for a game like this, or does the fact that it's an important game for your opponent motivate you at all?
For myself, being an older guy, I want to work hard every night. As a team, we wanted to come in here and be spoilers. We wanted to test ourselves, our character, and I thought we played pretty well.
It seemed that your team got off to a slow start in the group play, then had some better games later on.
The first two games up in Sweden and Finland (6–1 and 1–0 losses) . . . We played our first two games right away. Training camp wasn't long and then we had to travel and play those games. That game against Vaxjo, well, we weren't really in game shape. Then we played a good game in Kuopio that we probably should have won but lost, and that kind of hurt us.
Even though they didn't go the way you wanted, would you say high-tempo games like that right at the start help you get ready for the season?
For sure, yes. It forces you to get ready quick.
This is your first year in Germany. Is it a different type of league than what you were used to?
Yeah, I was in Switzerland. In Switzerland, the games are a bit faster, but it's good hockey in Germany too. It seems like it's more physical.
And compared to the NHL?
Well the NHL is the NHL – the best of the best – but I've been out of the NHL for five years now.
Would you say you're better suited to playing in Europe?
I like playing over here. There's more room and more time to make plays.
You've played in a few different European leagues now, and you've had a chance to see some more here in the CHL. Can you compare some of the different styles you've noticed?
The Finnish team was a really good skating team, strong on pucks. I played in Finland for a couple of years so I know that style. Then you've got Switzerland, maybe less physical but better skating, and then Germany which is more physical but not as fast. Sparta is the first Czech team I've faced but they're fast and smart with the puck, a really good team.
Your new home in Mannheim is known for great fan support, and in fact you had the second-highest home attendance during the group stage of the CHL. What is your impression of them?
They're really good, yeah. This is my first year in Germany and also my first year in this Champions League, obviously. I'm new in town and I've only seen them a few times so far, but yeah, we've had some good turn-outs and Mannheim is a good hockey city.
Mannheim's ride in the CHL is over for this year, but as a founding member, they'll be back next year. I suppose it's too early to say if you'll be back next year too.
Yeah, I've just got a one-year contract. We'll see.