Sami Lepisto’s rookie campaign went as well as possible. Lepisto was one of Hershey’s best defensemen and even enjoyed recalls to the Washington Capitals. Sami sat down with Inside Hockey for an up close interview.

Chris Rahn: How is your first season in North America going?

Sami Lepisto: So far it’s been good. I’m enjoying it a lot and Hershey’s been a good place to play. I’ve been having a lot of fun.

CR: Is there a difference for you between North America and European hockey?

SL: Well, yeah, you know it’s much faster. It seems like some games guys are just hitting everything and more physical, but I think it’s still more similar like league like the Finnish league here. Yeah, it's more different, though.

CR: You and Boomer (Josef Boumedienne) have been the defensemen for the Bears; how much has he helped your game?

SL: A lot, he’s been a great help. He’s a great player and we find each other pretty good on the ice. We know what were going to do and what the other guys are going to do. He’s been a tremendous help for me.

CR: What type of chemistry do you and Boomer have?

SL: Yeah, I find that we have great chemistry. Like I said, we find each other really good. It’s fun to play with him.

CR: You’ve been recalled to Washington twice this season, how has it gone up there?

SL: Well I was up and down a lot lately, but it’s been fun. That’s my goal to play there. It’s always a dream to go there, like everyday is just pure happiness and just keep working hard and maybe they call my name again. It has been fun.

CR: How did it feel getting your first NHL point?

SL: It was fun. It was a fun game. I almost scored on that goalie too; he’s a very good friend of mine (Atlanta’s Kari Lehtonen). So it was a fun time, good times.

CR: What expectations do you put on yourself as a hockey player?

SL: I don’t pressure myself to much. Like I just try to do my best and see where it takes me, but obviously the NHL is my goal and I want to play in that league. Hopefully, next year I can do that and just got to work hard and keep playing my game. I don’t think about it too much, but the NHL is my next goal.

CR: Did you have a favorite NHL team growing up?

SL: It changes a lot. Like I didn’t watch a certain team; more like the players, Finnish players like Selanne and Kurri like big Finnish names. If I would have to say a team, I don’t know about a team; mainly just watching players, Finnish players.

CR: How did it feel to be drafted in the NHL?

SL: Oh it was huge. We went to the draft with my family. It was fun like it was a big thing. It was great, I don’t know how else to say it.

CR: Have your parents gotten a chance you see you play in North America?

SL: Actually, my dad and brother were here, my brothers are still here. It was fun to get them here and see me play. My dad’s been watching games online on B2, but it was a big thing for me to get them over to see me here.

CR: What’s your greatest hockey moment?

SL: Greatest hockey moment, maybe I would have to say the whole World Juniors in Finland that we have. The whole tournament is unbelievable. Great memories and that’s the biggest so far.

CR: Who was your role model growing up?

SL: My dad; my dad was a big part and still is. I respect him a lot and I would have to say my dad.

CR: If you could play on defense with one person, active or retired, who would it be?

SL: Ray Bourque (While looking at Chris Bourque).

CR: Thanks Sami!

SL: Thanks.