Sebastian Aho's early goal gave Karpat Oulu the offensive spark they needed against Dusseldorfer EG. From there, the team that has been nearly perfect defensively in the CHL cruised to victory. Aho answered a few questions afterward.

by Miikka Jarvenpaa

OULU – Sebastian Aho wasted no time on Tuesday night. On his first shift, he pounced on a loose puck in the neutral zone and scored to open the scoring. With his team now with a three-goal aggregate lead following it's 2–0 win in Game 1 in Dusseldorf, and considering they had surrendered only 1 goal in the whole CHL competition this season, that seemed to be more than enough offence for Karpat. They would add two more goals and win 3–0, for a 5–0 aggregate win and a spot in the Champions Hockey League Round of 16.

A second-round pick of the Carolina Hurricanes this year, 18-year-old Aho is one of Europe's bright young stars. He spoke to Championshockeyleague.net in February, when he was a member of Finland's national U18 team with a handful of professional games to his credit. Now, he is one of Karpat's leading offensive players. He spoke after his team's victory.

Watch the game highlights HERE, with Aho's early goal coming near the beginning.

Karpat are now in the Round of 16. How does it feel, Sebastian?

“Feels great, obviously. We want to succeed in this competition and this was an important step.”

How would you describe your team’s performance as a whole?

“Great start from us, we came prepared. It carried out throughout the game.”

You scored the first goal of the game. Could you describe that?

“I got a loose puck from the neutral zone and I decided to challenge the defender by skating. I kinda slipped past him and put the puck from backhand between the keeper’s legs.”

In the next round you are facing either Sparta Prague or the ZSC Lions Zurich. Do you have any idea about these teams, which one would you rather play, or does it make any difference?

“I don’t have any idea yet. The time will come, when we are informed what kind of team we are facing. It doesn’t really matter which one it is.”

NOTE: At the time of the interview, the second leg of ZSC Lions – Sparta was in progress. Sparta won and will face Karpat in the Round of 16.

For more information on the Karpat Oulu – Dusselforfer EG series, click HERE.