Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Olli Määttä will leave Pittsburgh starting on April 18. The Finland native, who starred in 62 games this season, will be returning to his home country to serve the obligated six-month tour of duty.
However, Määttä, who will be enlisting in the Finnish army, said it is possible to postpone the start date if the Penguins make the NHL Playoffs. According to Finnish law, if a male is capable of serving he has to do so, professional athlete or not. Määttä, as he is in good health, will be able to serve for Finland.
The 21-year old Määttä, who scored six goals this season, was first supposed to serve in 2013, but was able to re-arrange the date with the Finnish army. Now, this might be Määttä’s year to serve.
The Penguins have a chance to make a playoff spot, as they are, at least right now, first in the Eastern Conference wildcard spot.
The Penguins (36-24-8) will take on the New York Islanders (38-21-8) tonight at 7 p.m. at the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh. The game will be broadcast on Root Sports.
Photo Credit: USA Today Sports
