Porrentruy – Théo Ganiage
A bit as if Oula Palve felt the wind coming. The Finn had not been spared from criticism before being loaned, somewhat to everyone’s surprise, to Genève-Servette HC, then having played a good Spengler Cup with Davos. Other changes in environment and style of play which had a positive impact on his performances.
Perhaps he hoped to be able to finish the season at the Vernets (he won’t say), but the fact remains that Jerry Turkulainen’s injury precipitated his return to the Jura while an extension of his stay with the Eagles seemed possible. Apparently, the GSHC would not have said no.
In short, we found Palve in the Ajoulot jersey on January 3… with his old demons. Let’s say it frankly: placed to the right of Pierre-Edouard BellemarePalve was bad against Ambrì-Piotta. The player is intelligent, he knows it, but he also thinks he knows the reason. No doubt a question of positioning.
Still, apart from his personal case, the last defeat in overtime while his club was leading 3-0 hurts. “I don’t really know what to say. We started off pretty well but then we definitely made a few mistakes. We have to win these matches, especially when we are leading.he blurted out, obviously contrite.
Under what conditions do you return to Ajoie after your stay in Geneva??
I’m here now. These last two months I have played pretty well. For those who watched the games, I was pretty good and helped the team win. I really enjoyed playing there, it was satisfying!
You are back and must compensate for Turkulainen’s injury on the front line. It puts a lot of pressure on you?
No, not really. He was especially effective in powerplay, and I’m not in the front line of powerplay! We don’t really have the same role. I’m not really a winger, I play more often in the center. It’s a good opportunity for me to have some playing time that said.
More of a center player?
Now I’m on the wing. I would rather be in the center! I was signed here as a center, I played that position my whole career.
Still, in 20 matches with Ajoie, Palve has only scored… two goals (during the first day on September 17 and during his return on January 3 against Davos) and that the man has integrated this famous wing as soon as he arrived at the end of the Lake (but on… the left!) before being placed back in the center by the then coach Jan Cadieux. Here he is again on the right for a mixed result. But three clubs and three different positions in half a season, it’s enough to lose one’s bearings.
