Ismo Lehkoselta a strong statement about Canadian judges on Yle: “Cabinet game”
Finland ended up in the bronze match after Canada defeated the Lions 3–2 in a thriller on Friday. The decision that sparked discussion in the match was when Canada received a power play in the final moments. Niko Mikkola’s stick hit Nathan MacKinnon in the face, and many felt that MacKinnon exaggerated the contact.
The game featured a Canadian referee duo. Yle’s expert Ismo Lehkonen passionately commented on the matter during the intermission of the bronze match.
According to Lehkonen, the choice of Canadian referees for the game was a sign that Finland has not been able to stand its ground in the cabinets.
– [Former chairman of the Ice Hockey Association Kalervo] Kummola would never have allowed such a thing to happen. There would have been such an uproar, Lehkonen stated.
Lehkonen believes Finland could have influenced the situation.
– It’s time for us to start winning these cabinet games as well, Lehkonen demanded.
In Yle’s intermission studio, the Lions’ GM Jere Lehtinen was asked how the team reacted upon hearing about the Canadian referees.
– It was known in advance that there would be NHL referees here, and this has happened sometimes in the World Championships as well. I won’t comment on it any further, Lehtinen replied.
Read more
- Rasmus Ristolainen’s torment continues in the NHL – yet another terrible setback
- TPS star received a massive ban for biting – TS: Denies the accusations
- A terrible setback for SHL’s Finnish star in Sweden – a long sick leave is looming
- The league’s star defender received a suspension – the disciplinary committee dismissed the explanation
- IL: Jukka Jalonen’s new job was revealed
- IS: HIFK has signed the head coach of a competitor – negotiations are already advanced!
- Urheilucast: Jori Lehterä opened the door for the league’s championship favorite – this will decide everything!
- Lehtitieto: The Liiga club loses its point machine – a new club is already known!
- The Young Lions team announced – now the final performances are given before the World Championship selections
- Jussi Tapola steps aside from the Lions – an experienced name as a replacement