Finland's ice hockey world champions return to military service after title celebration

Three Finnish ice hockey national team players — Urho Vaakanainen, Waltteri Merelä and Janne Kuokkanen — who helped Finland win the world championship returned to military service after the celebrations. The three hockey players continue their military obligations even after their major victory.

Three players who contributed to Finland's ice hockey national team's world championship victory — Urho Vaakanainen, Waltteri Merelä and Janne Kuokkanen — returned to military service after the title celebrations ended. Despite winning the gold medal, military service obligations continue as usual.

All three men were dedicated both to fighting for the national team on the ice and to completing their military service — demonstrating how Finnish sports and defense culture are intertwined in everyday life. Military service is mandatory in Finland, and no exception is made even for a world championship title.