Thank you for this further background, Elina! That IL article is very helpful, and I am glad you provided it.
The debate in Finland about this service is complicated, but you provide a very clear window into the different areas of discussion. I think superstar athletes will always be looked at with suspicion when they avoid service like this, even if they have a legitimate excuse. Money and privilege tend to exclude the benefit of the doubt. (Though Hintz's many injuries might provide him more leeway, perhaps.)
Jouni provided a picture on Twitter of Samuel Helenius (https://x.com/OnsideWithJouni/status/1960714232699257321), who just completed some of his military service this summer. I must think that those who do complete their service take a great deal of pride in having done so---especially if they know they might have found a way to avoid it.
I have much to learn about Finland, still, but I am grateful to folks like you for being patient with my ignorance and helping me learn!
Thank you for this further background, Elina! That IL article is very helpful, and I am glad you provided it.
The debate in Finland about this service is complicated, but you provide a very clear window into the different areas of discussion. I think superstar athletes will always be looked at with suspicion when they avoid service like this, even if they have a legitimate excuse. Money and privilege tend to exclude the benefit of the doubt. (Though Hintz's many injuries might provide him more leeway, perhaps.)
Jouni provided a picture on Twitter of Samuel Helenius (https://x.com/OnsideWithJouni/status/1960714232699257321), who just completed some of his military service this summer. I must think that those who do complete their service take a great deal of pride in having done so---especially if they know they might have found a way to avoid it.
I have much to learn about Finland, still, but I am grateful to folks like you for being patient with my ignorance and helping me learn!
The most entertaining part might be the Avs fans trying to make it a 'Dallas Stars' thing when he was still a member of the Avs when this happened.
I suppose every fanbase has the inclination to blame a rival whenever the opportunity arises. Or even when it doesn't!
Definitely not drawing a long bow when I say, this’ll motivate Rantanen to have a 45+ goal season and win the Conn Smythe
He very well could have won the latter last year, after what he did in the first two rounds. But alas.
I like your footnote, totally agree :p
The footnote on this one was worth the whole price of admission.