HCD attacker was suspended for 39 days: Peltonen shot on goal 300 times a day

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He must have felt like the loneliest hockey player in the world. Aleksi Peltonen trained alone on the ice for weeks. Without a coach, without teammates. Just for yourself. The reason: the new HCD attacker received a provisional suspension from Swiss Sport Integrity after two matches with Davos.

The club had failed to apply to the responsible authorities for an exemption from taking medicines for therapeutic purposes before the start of the season. Peltonen suffers from type 1 diabetes and is dependent on insulin. The HCD apologized to the player for this omission.

Initially, the Finn was not allowed to enter the club building with a Swiss license. Wardrobe, gym, ice rink: everything was taboo for Peltonen. The HCD was subsequently granted an exemption so that the newcomer could at least continue training. However, the 25-year-old was still not allowed to participate in activities with the team. A team athlete without a team.

“The uncertainty was difficult”

How did he feel? “The uncertainty was difficult,” he admits, “I didn’t know how long it would last. That’s why I tried to take it day by day.” With just one focus: keeping yourself in the best possible shape so that you’re ready when day X arrives. On the ice, the striker, who recently played nine seasons in North America, completed lap after lap to maintain his fitness. “Then I practiced starting and stopping, tight turns like in game situations, and worked on technical details that I want to improve.” And: He hit countless pucks on goal. “There were at least 300 shots a day.”

Despite the lonely training sessions, Peltonen always tried to keep the positive side of his situation in mind. “There are injured players who can’t even get on the ice. I was healthy, lucky and allowed to train.” This gave him the energy to stay motivated. His family and teammates also kept him on track.

Twin brother helped him with training tips

Aleksi has always had a close bond with his twin brother Jesper, who plays for Lugano and is not diabetic. As 16-year-olds they left their parents – father Ville (50) played for Lugano – to play at an American university. According to Aleksi, they already learned how to deal with unknown and difficult situations.

“I speak to Jesper every day via Facetime. He helped me during this period and gave me training tips.” On competition days, he watched the HCD competitions and his brother’s competitions at home at the same time. Peltonen suddenly remembers that during the Corona period he was best prepared in recent weeks with the contact bans, and it felt that way.

But day X has arrived. He has been part of the team again since last Saturday. After a long and complicated procedure, Swiss Sport Integrity, in consultation with the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada), approved the granting of the subsequently submitted waiver. And the provisional ban was immediately lifted. “I’m just happy to be back with the team.” Now Peltonen has to wait until the coaches decide whether he will be used in the matches in Welschland (Geneva and Lausanne). Or you have to be patient again.

Source : Blick