Expert Slams SM-liiga Finals Schedule for Jeopardizing Player Safety
Translated from Finnish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- A Finnish ice hockey expert, Topi Nättinen, criticizes the SM-liiga's schedule for its championship finals, citing player safety concerns.
- Nättinen argues that playing two games on consecutive days, especially after a marathon overtime match, compromises player well-being and game quality.
- He suggests alternative scheduling, such as starting the regular season earlier or using off-days more effectively, to prevent such situations.
Finnish ice hockey expert Topi Nättinen has strongly criticized the SM-liiga's scheduling of its championship finals, deeming it a serious risk to player safety and the quality of the game. His comments come after a grueling overtime match that concluded late Friday night, with the next game scheduled for Saturday afternoon – a mere 16.5 hours later. Nättinen argues that this compressed schedule, particularly the decision to play consecutive games in the finals, is unacceptable and potentially dangerous for the athletes.
One would think the league wants to maximize the level of its product. Now the most important employees are endangered, and at the same time, the level of the game is lowered.
Nättinen expressed disbelief at the league's decision, stating, "One would think the league wants to maximize the level of its product. Now the most important employees are endangered, and at the same time, the level of the game is lowered." He highlighted that the recent marathon game, the second-longest in league history and the longest in finals history, exemplifies the physical toll players endure. Pushing them into another high-stakes game with minimal recovery time, he contends, is not just poor planning but a disregard for player welfare.
"This is now a shameful situation," Nättinen declared, advocating for a clear rule against playing consecutive games during the finals. He proposed that the league could start the regular season a week earlier or schedule mid-season breaks more strategically to avoid such scheduling conflicts. While acknowledging the business aspect of weekend games, Nättinen questioned how much profit justifies jeopardizing player safety and competitive integrity.
This is now a shameful situation.
The expert also pointed out the impact on competitiveness, noting that injuries sustained due to lack of recovery could sideline players who might otherwise have been available. He emphasized that playing while fatigued and potentially injured is not only risky but unfair to the sport. Nättinen believes that while teams might try to play strategically, the physical limitations imposed by such a schedule will inevitably affect tactical decisions and overall performance.
How much beer must be sold if the players' safety is endangered?
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Helsingin Sanomat in Finnish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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