A strange question about Ville Leino and Finland...

by Lovin Leino on Feb 17, 2011 7:42 PM EST

From what I know, in Finland there is a mandatory military service to be served; the youngest age possible for this is 19 while it seems that it must be completed before 29 years of age.

Since Ville is a citizen and presumably hasn't served (since he started playing professionally at 17), will he have to serve in the military in the next 2 years, or would he be excused since he is in the States? I haven't heard about Kimmo having to serve either so maybe they are excused or something...

Any thoughts or information?

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I did not know this!

by midwestflyers on Feb 17, 2011 9:32 PM EST reply actions

Interesting. Shin-Soo Choo of the Cleveland Indians had a similar dilemma with the Sout Korean army. He was awarded an exemption for helping the South Korean Baseball team win a Gold Medal in the Asian Games. Perhaps Leino did something similiar in an International hockey competition.

by j reed on Feb 17, 2011 10:24 PM EST reply actions

That’s General Leino to you civilian

bread. butter. cheese. VICTORY!

by Prometheus74 on Feb 17, 2011 10:51 PM EST reply actions

What do you know, Copper and Blue knows everything. He’s not specifically mentioned in the article, but it looks plausible that he may have completed service while simultaneously playing in the SM-Liiga.

by ohnickels on Feb 17, 2011 11:52 PM EST reply actions 5 recs

Thanks for looking that up! Rec’d

Hexwall.

by Philly4Cup on Feb 18, 2011 1:42 AM EST up reply actions

I wonder if this is something Travis would be allowed to ask Lavi at his next post-game presser or to Ville directly in the Flyers locker room if he is available.

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by Justin F. on Feb 18, 2011 1:52 AM EST reply actions

I don’t think Lavy would know, honestly. Asking Ville himself is more plausible.

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by Geoff Detweiler on Feb 18, 2011 11:15 PM EST up reply actions