Frans Tuohimaa, who left Russia at a fast pace, tells what kind of difficulties Finnish players in the country may have – “Nothing can be done”

On a spring day in March, the sun pampers the melted street view of the capital’s snow. Although the parking lot at the Olympic Stadium is empty and the flags flutter in the wind, the moods of the Snowy Gold Festival of the Lions about a month ago are strongly remembered. However, a lot has happened since then.

Most of the Finnish KHL hockey players interrupted their season and returned to their homeland after Russia launched a war of aggression against Ukraine on 24 February.

Represented Neftehimik Nizhnekamski Frans Tuohimaa heard about the events in Ukraine as soon as the Olympic contract was suspended.

– The first night I had time to sleep there (in Russia). In the morning, a roommate said they have now attacked. Pretty quickly it realized that I want to get out of that circus. After a little analysis, the feeling just confirmed that you need to get home, the new Olympic winner recalls his first reaction.

– It was discussed with the team’s foreign players what the situation is and what chips we have available. It was difficult to focus on other things.

Founded in 2008, KHL is a Russian-led hockey league with close ties to the country’s leadership, and in particular the president. Vladimir Putin. The first chapter of the Finns marching off the eastern puck map was read on February 25, when the Jokers published a bulletin about the suspension of their KHL season.

Although Tuohimaa considers the Jokers’ solution to be absolutely right, it was not an influential factor in the willingness of other Finns to leave Russia. Alternatives were explored among Finns playing in different parts of Russia. Eventually, one’s own values ​​became the biggest factor for Tuohimaa.

– We tried to map out the possibility of a collective decision for Finns. However, all the clubs handled the situation differently and the hustle and bustle was quite confusing. The departure of the jokers is part of this larger part, the 30-year-old Tuohimaa once.

Tuohimaa, who signed a one-year contract with Neftehimik Nizhnekamski last May, admits that the end of obligations to the Russian club is a relief. However, terminating the contract in the middle of the season, after the playoffs had already started, did not prove to be completely straightforward. The club management allowed Tuohimaa to leave, but the Czech players of the team could not leave, even if they wanted to.

– It wasn’t easy. Eventually, I even had a little luck when Ufa and Siberian players got to leave. It caused a wave that I got away with myself.

The details related to the termination of the contract were reviewed by Tuohimaa with the club management both through himself and through his agent.

– The language barrier turned out to be so big that the discussion was awkward. Luckily, my player agent helped and it worked out. Sometimes they rowed and sometimes had to felt, Tuohimaa acknowledges the negotiations with Neftehimik’s management.

Although many Finnish hockey players have already returned from Finland to Finland, a handful of players continue to play in the KHL playoffs. Tuohimaa understands the challenging situation of the players and that leaving is not a matter of course.

– For them, I would like to say that some of them may be stuck there. The job is so different on different teams and it is played with big stakes. Many players have been virtually stripped of all means of leaving. There is nothing you can do about it, he explains.

Tuohimaa is the vice-chairman of the Finnish Players’ Association. According to Tuohimaa, the most difficult position is played by players who have a valid extension contract with their KHL club. The International Hockey Federation has still not decided what will happen to the fortifications from Russia if they move elsewhere during their contract period.

– In practice, they will not be able to pursue their careers elsewhere without sanctions unless the IIHF takes this line. That decision came from the International Football Association and good.

Some Finnish players have a multi-year contract with KHL. If a contract player withdraws in the middle of his contract, the player violates the IIHF rules.

– You may not be allowed to play anywhere for three years. In professional sports, it means putting your career in the package.

Although most Finnish KHL players already spend the spring in Finland, comments on the situation in Russia, Ukraine and KHL have been scarce. Frans Tuohimaa highlights each person’s freedom of speech and underlines the possible side effects of commenting.

– Of course, no one can be forced to comment or take a stand. Of course, there are so big things in the world now that everyone is forced into it. For me, it comes more naturally, I like to be involved and make a difference. That’s why I want to talk about things, but if it doesn’t come naturally, it’s not worth opening up in vain, says a goalkeeper from Helsinki.

– Especially players in Russia can cause harm to themselves, which does not alleviate the situation. That is why at least they should be allowed peace to take care of themselves.

For Tuohimaa himself, interrupting the season at an early stage also means a long break from games, but the HIFK breeder living in Helsinki is now able to practice in an almost normal way. At the moment, Tuohimaa does not know where the games will continue next.

Although souvenirs from Beijing have already been hung in the prize locker this spring, an experienced goalie knows that a different situation is ahead at the May World Cup.

– Of course, the national team is always an honor. Let’s see who is chosen for what role and lives by it, says Tuohimaa, who performed as an alternate goalkeeper in the Olympics.

The World Hockey Championships will start on May 13 in Tampere and Helsinki.