Borna Rendulic is one of the brightest youngsters from Croatia. A 1992-born forward, he started his career in Zagreb prior moving to Finland to skate for S-Kiekko Seinäjoki in the 2007-08 season. In the 2008-09 he moved to Ässät Pori, where he played in the Junior-B league, posting 26 points in 36 matches. But he was busy with the national team, too, as he played in three world championships; Under 18 (division II), Under 20 (division II) and senior (division I). In this interview with internationalhockey.net correspondent Alessandro Seren Rosso, Borna talked about his early career, about life and hockey in Finland and about his future.

IHN: Hello Borna. You are known now as one of the brightest prospects from Croatian hockey school. Was it significantly harder for you, rather than boys starting playing in Moscow, Stockholm or Helsinki?

BR: Yeah, it was really hard because in Croatia hockey is not a very popular sport. I didn’t have much of practices like the guys Moscow, Stockholm or Helsinki, and guys in Croatia were playing hockey just for fun. They didn’t want to become pro hockey players. That’s why I have moved to Finland to play hockey. I want to be something and someone one day.

IHN: And what was the moment in what you realized that you really wanted to become a pro hockey player, and not a soccer or handball one like most of Croatian sportsmen?

BR: I dont know which was the exact moment, but since I got skates and stick I started loving hockey. Two years ago I thought about it and i said to myself that I want to play hockey for living.

IHN: And so you moved to Finland. But who was Borna Rendulic before the 07/08 season?

BR: Croatian hope i guess, and a talented guy for hockey.

IHN: The first couple of months you spent in Finland were quite hard, I guess. What has been the hardest thing you faced at the start?

BR: The hardest thing was when I came to S-Kiekko in Seinäjoki was that I didn’t know anyone. I was really scared and of course I missed my family, and friends.

IHN: And how much time did this adaptation period take?

BR: About a month, then after that I met some friends and it started to be much more easier.

IHN: Do you attend school, too, in Finland?

BR: Yeah, I had to go to school, the club found it for me. I didn’t really like the school, but I got used to it.

IHN: And what are the biggest differences in living in Croatia and in Finland?

BR: In Finland everyone likes hockey and they care about it which I really like. The food is much more healthier here in Finland. And of course, here there is six months day and six month night.

IHN: Now we can concentrate a bit more on hockey. Unfortunately I doubt our average reader knows a lot about you. Can you describe your playing style?

BR: I’m an offensive player, with good stick handling and a good shot. It’s much different now then since I came here: before i didn’t shoot at all, didn’t check at all, but now I’m shooting more, checking more, passing more. Playing for the team, not for myself like I was playing in Croatia. And of course I skate more.

IHN: Why did you decide to play right in Finland and not in other hockey countries like Sweden, Russia, Czech Republic?

BR: I was in an IIHF camp. After that I came home and Dado Ljubic (Medvescak Zagreb’s GM) gave me a call, saying, “You are going for 2 days in Ilves on a tryout”.

IHN:It's easy to say that in Finland there is a great system for raising goalkeeping talent. Facing good goalies was good training for you to improve?

BR: It’s really good training, because you always have to give the hundred percent in practices.

IHN: How did it look, your 08/09 season?

BR: At the beginning it was bad. The coach didn’t like me at all. I didn’t get enough ice time and I was really pissed off. But after U20 in Spain I came with more confidence and the coach gave me a chance, and I did it. I think it was that game where I had 2 goals and one assist. After that I was a first line guy.

IHN: Is there any player who you use as a model?

BR: There is a few players, but the biggest one is Aleksandr Ovechkin. One day I want to be like him.

IHN: What do you like so much about him?

BR: I like his style of playing, his confidence, his moves, everything. He’s simply the best.

IHN: Does the system they use in Finland allow you to play the puck like the Russians do or do you have to play with more discipline?

BR: It’s pretty much the same

IHN: What does the coach ask to you? What role you had on the team's first line?

BR: The coach was quite bad. He didn’t speak with me or with any player at the team. He didn’t give me any feedback, so I can’t really tell you what role I had. When I started to score some goals, he would always tell me to score more and that’s it.

IHN: During the season, did you check for your former team's results?

BR: Not really, I was just thinking about my game, nothing else.

IHN: But I'm confident that you know they will play in the Austrian league next season.

BR: Yeah I know that, and that they were playing Slovenian league last year.

IHN: How many years to you think it will take for them to become contenders?

BR: I think not so many. Hockey there is every year better and better, more money, new players. The club is more starting to be a pro club and that’s good, because If I’m not going to make it here, I could go playing hockey back to my former club.

IHN: I guess that Dado Ljubic hasn't asked you to come back, but would you consider playing for the Bears maybe when you'll be near the end of your career?

BR: Yeah of course.

IHN: What are your plans for the summer?

BR: Now I’m in Finland, but in one week I’m getting back home to Croatia. My plan is resting for a week and then start to practice like hell for the new season.

IHN: Will you practice in Croatia?

BR: Yeah, I have to. I have to stay in shape.

IHN: Next year, will you keep on skating in Finland for Assat?

BR: Yeah, during the next year I have to shine on that ice because its my last year of contract.

IHN: A move to the CHL (Canada) might be on your agenda?

BR: I don’t know what’s going to happen. We will see.

IHN: Imagine it's back in May, and in the night there is the WC finals between Russia and Canada. Which team you support?

BR: That’s a really hard one. Earlier I was always for Canada but now I will go for Russia just because of Ovechkin.

IHN: Thank you Borna, really, really kind to give me your precious time. Have a good rest now!

BR: No problems, thank you!