Player Spotlight: Santeri "Sanezh" Maanselkä

SportsGamers, the Player Spotlight series is making its return with the objective of showcasing gamers that would perhaps otherwise fall outside normal reporting, but that we want to get to know better. Our strength is this community, so let's get to know each other!

You asked for it, so we'll provide! This time we had a chat with Santeri @Sanezh Maanselkä, who has spent all of his virtual hockey career with Hokurit. The defenseman hailing from Mikkeli in southeastern Finland has come a long way together with his team, with their sights set on consistent improvement, one step at a time.

1. What was your first experience with the EASHL mode in NHL?

I think it was back in NHL 13 when I first played EASHL with a couple of friends, quite casually. The fire for playing competitively was ignited somewhere around NHL 16, when Hokurit was founded.

2. What’s the best part of playing for your current club Hokurit?

I've played for Hokurit for my entire career and several of my teammates have become great friends for me even outside of the virtual rinks. The best part though is the way the core players have been committed to our long project that started already in 2015. Naturally we've had some roster turnover over the years, but it's been great to see how each player has grown through the years and with each iteration of the game.

3. What is your greatest NHL gaming memory?

There's so many and it's tough to pick just one. I think one of the most memorable moments was our ECL 8 debut when every player was so nervous and some shaky hands were evident! Another more recent memory was our promotion to ECL '22 Winter Pro through the qualifiers. The five season grind finally paid off and the feeling was incredible when we managed to secure our spot at the second highest tier in the final matchup of the qualifiers.

4. Describe your perfect breakfast!

I'm not a big breakfast person and often tend to skip it, but a true and tested combo I've stuck with is a few slices of rye bread with ham and cheese, washed down with a couple glasses of cold milk.

5. You're GM for a day and get to pick any player for your 6v6 team but none of your current teammates. Who's in your starting six and why?

I could easily pick a player each from the top 3 teams, but I'll go with players I've played with over the years and that have made an impression on me:

@jouni29 - @MozjaTG (Mozjayh) - @vepdsssss (Werppi)
@Maestroffi - @ripKeisari
@burban26

I started my career playing with Mozja so he is an easy pick for center. He is a very skilled player and I'd say he is one of the best centermen in Elite right now. Flanking him I've got Jouni, who I've played with for several years. He's a guy who handles his defensive duties with care and backs his teammates regardless of the situation. On the right flank I've picked a rather unknown name, Werppi. Be on the lookout for his skill.

On defense I've picked my former defensive partners. Maestroffi is a very good player in his own zone and also handles scoring when some backup is needed on that front. ripKeisari is a guy I've known for over ten years and he is a high-skill defenseman who is great with the puck.

In net, I've got the Swiss beard king, Burban. I had the honor of playing an FCL tournament with him and he made an impression as a very nice person with a passion and fire for the game.

6. What was your dream job growing up and what do you currently do?

As a kid I always wanted to be a police officer, but later on I've dreamt about a job in sports. A marketing job for a hockey team could be very cool. Right now I'm working at the fresh meat counter of a supermarket.

7. Do you play or have you played hockey?

I've never played for a team although I wanted to do so as a kid.

8. What’s your best hockey memory?

The best memory is from 2015 and it's not even close. That's when my hometown team Mikkelin Jukurit secured the Mestis championship, which sealed the deal for them to advance to playing at the highest level in Liiga.

9. What do you like to do in your spare time besides playing NHL?

I like playing other games too, especially FIFA and Call of Duty. I'm also an avid sports fan and I can be found in the stands cheering on local football and hockey teams throughout the winter and summer. Nothing beats having a few beers in a group of friends after a tough week of work, though.

10. Pizza with three toppings, what are your choices?

Pepperoni, blue cheese and paprika mayonnaise to top it off.

11. You're the locker room DJ and get one song to hype up your team. What do you play?

Motörhead – The Game.

12. How did you come up with your PSN ID?

My name is Santeri, and most of my friends call me Sane, which eventually transformed into Sanezh, when all other options for my PSN ID were taken.

13. Who’s the best player in the ECL according to you?

@Beniittto. He's the captain and centerman for the best team in Europe. If anyone, he makes the game look easy.

14. Describe your ideal holiday!

On a beach somewhere warm with good friends.

15. Now it's up to you to suggest who we should interview next. Who do you want to hear from and why?

I'm gonna call out @Rytze_. I think this gentleman could provide a great interview for you!

Feel free to also suggest who you'd want to see in the Player Spotlight-series. Also, if there are any questions you'd like us to add to the arsenal, let us know!