The special equipment of a Lions player caught attention
Finnish hockey player Eetu Luostarinen's gloves featuring an upside-down logo have raised eyebrows during the Olympic tournament.
Eetu Luostarinen, a Finnish hockey player representing the national team, gained attention at the Olympics for wearing gloves with an upside-down Bauer logo. This unusual detail caught the eye of spectators and commentators alike. According to Severi Lehtonen from Bauer's Elite Athlete Service, the gloves are actually old ones that belonged to Luostarinen's teammate, Aleksander Barkov. It turns out the Finnish equipment staff mistakenly sewed the cuff of the gloves with the logo upside down, but the exact reason for this error remains unknown.
Luostarinen's choice of gloves is also noteworthy; while many hockey players prefer new equipment, he favors well-broken-in gloves that have seen some use. This preference can lead to a greater comfort and better performance on the ice, even though he has a pair of new gloves available with the logo correctly positioned. The incident sparked curiosity because it is uncommon for professional athletes to use older gear during high-stakes competitions like the Olympics.
Despite the mishap with the logo, Luostarinen expressed that it has not been a hindrance during his performance. He indicated that the mistake was recognized by his teammates before he noticed it himself. He plans to continue wearing the unique gloves for the duration of the tournament and will switch to his regular pair afterward. This light-hearted incident adds an interesting narrative to the competitive atmosphere of the Olympics and reflects the camaraderie and humor often found in sports.