Finnish goaltender Joonas Korpisalo defiant about serving in home country's military

Joonas Korpisalo is being called by the military in his home country of Finland, but it appears he doesn't want to answer. The Finnish government has put out a news release saying Korpisalo must return home by this summer to serve his mandatory military duty. It would run from April to September, meaning he would have to miss part of the Columbus Blue Jackets season. That service must be completed before the person turns 28. Korpisalo is 27 and has deferred the service every summer since turning 18. Still, he's defiant about having to go.

"If they want to come get me, come get me," said Korpisalo. "I'm not leaving during my season. I don't think Lauri Markkanen is, either. I don't think he's going to leave the team for that. There would have to be a special arrangement."

Markkanen plays for the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers. He is 25, so still has some time to complete his service.

"I'm at the stage of my career where I'm supposed to be in my prime, and the summers are pretty important to me," continued Korpisalo. When I get there (after this season), we'll see what happens."

Unfortunately for Korpisalo, he can't continue to duck the mandate of the military. His passport expires one year from now, and the Finnish government will not issue him a new one until his compulsory service is completed. Without it, he would not be able to travel to the US.

"I don't know how this is going to go," Korpisalo said.

In the past, there were ways for athletes to get out of the service. Failed team medicals or drastically shortened periods of duty were used for them. However, the government has become tougher on athletes over the past few years in a bid to ensure equality among its citizens. Most Finnish athletes complete the service as soon as they turn 18.

"I probably should have done it back when I was 18, too," Korpisalo said

This could get very interesting before it ends.

Source: The Athletic

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