Hopefully, Kontiola’s honesty will change the culture of the sport in such a way that no player’s substance abuse problem is content to just watch from the sidelines, writes Jussi Paasi.
Jussi Paasi sports reporter
The Ice Hockey Championship League will be followed on Puhe’s Ice Hockey Tour on Friday, October 20. from 6 p.m. Listen to the broadcast here.
When the news Petri Kontiolan the return came to lightI immediately thought of one thing.
No, I didn’t think about whether the 39-year-old tactician would do well in the renewed Tappara shirt.
And not how a hockey player who has already finished his career can just come back from that.
I was just wondering how Kontiola is going to solve his problem, which got particularly bad last spring. Or would it be swept under the carpet, as is still too often the custom in sleazy circles.
Almost all sports people knew the name of Kontiola’s problem, which ultimately ruined his last season at the most important moment.
Ilves faced Lahti Pelicans in the semi-finals. Kontiola was hunting for the crown missing from his long and handsome career, the championship. The dream final Tappara–Ilves was already on the horizon.
However, Kontiola collapsed badly against the Pelicans. The gold helmet shone on “Konna’s” head, but he couldn’t do anything on the ice that he is known for as a hockey player. Ilves’ place in the final was a dream.
Now everyone knows what Kontiola was fighting with. A drug problem.
When the contract with Tappara was sealed, Kontiola came forward and spoke openly about his situation. Life had taken a turn for the worse, fast. After the bronze match, substance abuse treatment was ahead.
Kontiola won his biggest championship by seeking treatment and speaking directly about his problem.
I greatly appreciate Kontiola’s honesty. Ice hockey players are role models for many children and young people. They are followed, they are listened to, they are imitated.
Talking about the substance abuse problem was definitely not easy, because as Kontiola said, the hockey player “forgives quite well and looks through the fingers when you score goals and play well”.
One can only wonder why no one in Ilves intervened in the situation. Everyone in the locker room knew about the star player’s problem. It was also known far outside the booth.
What did the future head coach of the national team do Antti Pennanen? At least he allowed Kontiola to continue playing normally.
Unfortunately, the incident is not surprising. As Kontiolak stated, hockey teams have been able to hide problems, as long as they have not been too visible on the outside.
Hopefully, Kontiola’s honesty will change the culture of the sport in such a way that no player’s substance abuse problem is content to just watch from the sidelines. Even with a golden helmet on his head.