A Canadian journalist put Marko Anttila ahead of Finland’s NHL stars.
Canadian hockey reporter Steven Ellis says Marko Anttila of the Daily Faceoff site in a recent article.
Ellis, his colleague Matt Larkin and Viaplay’s narrator Antti Mäkinen in the article list their own choices for the imaginary Olympic team of the Lions, if the tournament were organized right now – with NHL players.
In Ellis’ lineup, the focus is on one man. Anttila is a true Joker card in the Canadian’s papers – although he has already finished his national team career.
“Mörkö” has been placed as a substitute for the Finnish team, in the 14th forward spot. Behind him will be a lot of tough NHL men, such as Kaapo Kakko, Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Joel Armia.
– Anttila is a fan favorite with experience in scoring big goals. At two meters and 100 kilos, he brings an energy that can get anyone fired up, Ellis explains his choice.
– This is a big game move, but I would like to see it come true so that the veteran gets the honor he deserves.
Ellis also says that he doesn’t see the 14th forward as a critical piece to any team’s success, so he dared to choose a slightly different name for that role.
Mäkinen and Larkin, on the other hand, write that they did not even consider adding Anttila to their own lineups.
Marko Anttila’s Leijonat career ended in the spring at the World Cup home games. Jussi Saarinen