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Quick Q & A: Burnsville defenseman Teemu Kivihalme

By Star Tribune, 07/07/12, 6:34PM CDT

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Burnsville defenseman Teemu Kivihalme learned on June 28 he will suit up for Team USA's junior hockey team at the Ivan Hlinka Tournament in August. A dual citizen of the United States and Finland, the senior-to-be spent the past two summers training with Finland's U16 and U17 national team.

Who's been your greatest inspiration in your hockey career? Why? My dad [Janne Kivihalme, who is Burnsville's coach], he has taught me everything about hockey and life. He has always believed in me and my ability to play hockey.

What's your all-time favorite sports moment? My Bantam A year, we beat Minnetonka to go to state.

The top five male hockey players of all time are...? Bobby Orr, Nicklas Lidstrom, Teemu Selanne, Raymond Bourque, Wayne Gretzky.

Most memorable game attended? Finland vs. USA in a World Cup at Xcel Center.

If you didn't play hockey, what other sport would you play? Soccer.

Any pregame routines or superstitions? I have to be there more than one hour before game time. Pregame meal: peanut butter on toast. Same off-ice warmup every time.

To get pumped for a game, I listen to...? A mix of rock, rap and hip-hop.

Your twitter name -- @Sicksauce26 -- comes from...? Passing the puck in the air and my hockey number.

Best thing about having dual citizenship? My mom being American and my dad being Finnish, I get to experience both countries and cultures first-hand.

Career-defining moment thus far? Getting selected to represent and play for the USA at Ivan Hlinka Tournament this August.

-- Craig Malveaux, Star Tribune

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