Vancouver Canucks goalie Kevin Lankinen returned to the team on Wednesday morning after being part of a Team Finland group that won the bronze medal in men’s hockey at the Olympics in Milan. Lankinen met with the media after taking part in the team’s morning skate at Rogers Arena and discussed what it meant to be an Olympian and a medal winner.

Q: How was the Olympic experience and what does it mean to win a bronze medal?
A: Just an overall great experience. Obviously, a dream come true to represent your country on the highest stage and to come back with a medal was even better.

Q: What did you think of your team’s performance over there?
A: I was really happy. We got pretty close to the final. We played a good game against the Canadians and we know how good they are. And we came back against the Swiss in the quarter-final and showed some character. At the end of the day, of course we wished we played in the final, but coming home with a medal means a lot for our team and the whole country.

Q: Were you surprised you didn’t see any game action?
A: Of course, I wanted to play and be the starting guy. But when it comes to the national team, you’re just happy to be there. In the big picture, I’ve worked my whole life to get the chance to represent my country in the Olympics and be there and supporting the team to take home a bronze medal means a lot to me.

Q: Does it take some time with all the travel and the jet lag? How long in your mind to you think it will be before you’re ready?
A: I feel good. I feel great on the ice. That’s what we do. We travel every week in this profession. So it’s not a big deal.

Q: Did you think you were going to have trouble getting home with the weather you endured to get back here?
A: It was a little bit of a bump in the road. Thankfully, we stayed safe. My family and I found a good hotel and ordered room service and tried to make the most of it. We made it back which is the most important thing and here we are ready to go.

Q: Do you sense a different vibe now that guys have had a chance to get away and refocus for the final 25 games?
A: The break came at a good time for our team. Guys get recharged and work on our game. I was talking to Footy today and he was really happy with how all the guys did the past couple of weeks here. A really good effort in practice and he’s excited to see what guys can bring to the game tonight.