Santeri Virtanen, a key player for Kiekko-Espoo in the SM-liiga, has recently made adjustments to his playing style by changing the color of his visor from a red tint to a brownish shade. This change comes in light of a knee injury that sidelined him for two months and is expected to affect his performance throughout the season. When he returned to play, Virtanen noted that the bright lights in the arenas have been particularly troubling for his eyesight, prompting the adjustment in visor color for better comfort during games.

Virtanen explained that the challenges with bright lights began last season and have worsened at the start of the current season. He expressed concern that the bright lights in the arenas, which have been getting increasingly intense due to potential advancements in lighting technology, have had a negative impact on his ability to focus and see clearly during games. This situation raises questions about how sports lighting might affect player performance, especially for those sensitive to such conditions.

The ongoing issue underlines the importance of player health and safety, particularly in fast-paced sports like ice hockey where visibility is crucial. Additionally, it reflects how seemingly minor changes, such as visor color, can have significant implications on a player's comfort and performance. Virtanen remains optimistic that his symptoms will improve over time, but the situation highlights a broader concern within the league regarding player welfare and adapting to technology impacts in sports venues.