Turris bonded with Demers in Finland

Ottawa Senators forward Kyle Turris and San Jose Sharks defenseman Jason Demers developed quite the bromance playing for Kärpät in Finland’s SM-liiga, according to this Vancouver Province story.

“I didn’t even know him, but when I flew in and I watched the first game, he welcomed me and took me under his wing,” Turris said. “We give each other a hard time when we play each other and he said he’s going to fight me. I said I won’t be able to take him seriously, just looking at him.”

“He’s a big joker. He kept the mood light over there because it gets so dark. You get three or four hours of sun a day and it was minus-23 the last few days I was there. A chilly spot, but he made it a lot easier.”

Cute a hearty round of “Awws.”

Turris decided to leave the Finnish league earlier this week, but he seemed to cherish the time he spent there – predictable Italian food or not – and thinks the experience might give him an edge.

“It was great for staying in game shape and staying sharp,” Turris said. “If the NHL started now, I’d be much more ready and I hope to have a leg up on the other guys who didn’t go over to Europe. I’ll remember how much fun the hockey was and the experience of adapting to different food and lifestyle.”

With 19 points in 21 Finnish league games, he might just hit the ground running – if the lockout ends anytime soon.