You've submitted the questions at detroitredwings.com, and now Red Wings forward Valtteri Filppula has the answers!

What is your favorite thing about playing hockey in the NHL?
Kaylee Wieringa
Middleville, Michigan

Filppula: I'd have to say, everything about it! You can't just pick one thing I don't think, it's always been a dream to play here and now that I'm here, everything is great. Obviously we have a great, great team here and I think that's a huge thing, a lot of great guys.

Who were some of your favorite teammates when you played for Grand Rapids?
Kaylee Wieringa
Middleville, Michigan

Filppula: I would say Huds (Jiri Hudler) is one of them, Meecher (Derek Meech), those two are real good. Plus Matty (Matt Ellis) was there, and we had a really good team there too, a great bunch of guys and it was a lot of fun playing there.

What is the biggest challenge you've faced so far in your career in the NHL?
Nick Dean
Okemos, Michigan

Filppula: I think the biggest thing is trying to play well every game. Obviously it's a real long season and has its ups and downs, but I think just getting through the season, and trying to do the best you can is a big challenge.

Who is your roommate on the road, and what is it like having them as a roommate?
Angela Kotkowski
Wyandotte, Michigan

Filppula: (Aaron) Downey is my roommate, and I like my roommate. He's a great guy, a funny guy and it's been good. We have the same type of schedule, we get along really well.

What are some of the differences between playing hockey in the U.S. and playing in Finalnd?
Kathryn Smart
Kingsford, Michigan

Filppula: Hockey wise, the rink size is a huge difference. It's a lot bigger in Europe, I think that's a biggest difference. Obviously the schedule, having to play 82 games, and just playing 56 over in Finland, that makes a big difference was well.


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