Sebastian Aho put the facts on the table about Leijoni’s injury concerns.
Sebastian Aho is expected to play a big role in the Olympics. Stock photo. Matti Matikainen
Leijonat will go to Milan in February 2026 to defend its first Olympic gold in history. For months, there has been buzz around the Finnish national ice hockey team about which line-up Antti Pennanen the piloted group finally goes to the games.
Carolina Hurricanes star forward Sebastian Aho28, is one of the team’s brightest names and a natural leader in the mid lane.
This time, however, he faces an extraordinary challenge.
Aho has big boots to fill, as the Lions’ number one center Alexander Barkov is likely to be sidelined for the entire NHL season due to a serious injury and thus also out of the Olympics.
Also Patrik Laine participation in the Olympics is at stake due to injury. Several injuries have raised concerns about the Lions’ attacking ability.
However, Aho approaches the matter realistically and at the same time calmly.
– It is what it is. There’s really nothing you can do about it. Let’s go with the players that are available. If someone is missing, someone else has to step into a bigger role and see their own opportunity in it, Aho said.
Even though Barkov’s absence is glaring, Aho reminds that in the end it’s all about how the team reacts to adversity.
– Of course Sasha’s injury is a big loss. It could even end the season, and you don’t wish that on anyone. He’s one of the best players in the world and assuming he can’t play in the Olympics, it’s a big loss for any team. But these belong to hockey, nothing can be done about them. I hope the lineup will be as healthy as possible when the Olympics start, Aho continued.
An old acquaintance in front
Jukka Jalonen coaches the Italian national team. Vesa Pöppönen / AOP
Finland will face Sweden, Slovakia and Italy in Group B of the Olympics. The eyes of many Finns are especially focused on Italy’s bench, where the long-time successful coach of the Lions is standing Jukka Jalonen.
Jalonen was the head coach of the Finnish U20 team, when Aho, Laine and Jesse Puljujärvi led the Little Lions to the world championship in Helsinki in 2016. Now the paths meet again, albeit in opposite camps.
However, Aho has not thought about it any further.
– I don’t really know, I rarely think about who the opponent has as a coach anymore. Of course, he is a top coach and will certainly get a good boom there. We have good memories together and I liked his style of coaching. The success he has had in his career is no accident. But as a player, you no longer think much about who is coaching the opponent, Aho stated.
The time difference is not scary
The NHL stars heading to Italy have to get used to a tight schedule and the stress of the time difference. For example, traveling from North Carolina to Italy takes six hours forward in time, and the Olympics begin just days after arrival.
The last games in the NHL will be played Finnish time on February 6, while the first match at the Olympics will already be played on February 11.
Aho approaches the situation calmly, like a top athlete who is used to rhythm changes during the NHL season.
– I don’t know how [aikaerorasitus] affects, but I think it won’t be a big problem. It’s the same for everyone. Everyone flies around the same time and the tournament starts at the same time for everyone. As far as I remember, I haven’t played with such a fast schedule before, but only time will tell. It’s not worth making a big deal about.
The story continues after the picture.
Sebastian Aho serves as Hurricanes vice-captain. AOP / USA TODAY SPORTS
Even in the NHL, traveling is constant and the start times of the matches vary from coast to coast.
– In my opinion, it’s easier to go towards the west, as it sort of wins back time. The three-hour difference has not produced any problems. Six hours is certainly a big difference, but I haven’t experienced significant jet lag in those three hours. We travel and play a lot, so the most important thing is to take care of our body – eating, drinking and recovering. When you do that, you can play at different times just fine.
Finnish shirt
On Thursday, Leijonat presented the official Olympic jerseys, the appearance of which has sparked a lot of discussion among fans. However, Aho reminds us that the meaning of the shirt is much greater than its appearance.
– Of course, Finland’s shirt is always stylish, and wearing it is always an honor. I believe that it is exactly as it should be, at least in the eyes of Finns.
The Lions’ final Olympic team will be announced at the end of the year. The 2026 Winter Olympics will take place from 6 to 22 February in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.