Ducks defenseman Sami Vatanen named to Team Finland for the World Cup of Hockey

Ducks defenseman Sami Vatanen was named Wednesday to Team Finland’s preliminary roster for the World Cup of Hockey next fall in Toronto. Vatanen was one of 16 players named to the team. He helped Finland win a bronze medal at the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia, and will be one of the more veteran players on a World Cup roster that doesn’t include Teemu Selanne.

“Of course it’s a big honor every time Finland cheers you on,” said Vatanen, 24. “It’s a big pride thing for me to represent Team Finland. It’s a little different right now. I think I’m the oldest D-man on the roster right so it’s totally different to what I’m used to. I’ve been in a couple of tournaments, so I know how to do those things. If I can teach the younger guys. We have Teemu and Saku and they can help us. It feels very different. I don’t think I’m that old right now.”