The Finnish ice hockey team, affectionately known as the Lions, concluded their Milan-Cortina Olympics campaign with smiles, having secured the bronze medal after a commanding 6-1 victory over Slovakia in the final game. Key player Niko Mikkola expressed a desire to celebrate this last moment together with his teammates, reminiscing about the journey they've had as a collective unit. His casual mention of wanting to enjoy a couple of beers highlighted the camaraderie among the athletes, eager to soak in their final moments together before the grind of professional commitments resumed.

Despite the joy of their Olympic success, the celebrations were notably short-lived as many of the Finnish NHL players, including Juuse Saros, were reminded of their early flight back to North America. Saros conveyed his disappointment at having to cut short potential festivities, hinting at plans of relaxing in Milan's terraces had obligations not been so pressing. This situation illuminates the often rigorous schedule of professional athletes, balancing national pride with club responsibilities in the NHL.

Sebastian Aho, another prominent player, noted his uncertainty regarding the start of his NHL workload post-Olympics, a sentiment reflecting the athletes' continuous navigation between international competition and domestic leagues. The mix of jubilation from winning a medal and the looming reality of professional demands underscores the unique challenges faced by athletes representing their countries on the world stage while also fulfilling commitments to their clubs.