Thoughts for Safety of Our Friends in Finland

[ElvisLives]

Looks like Finland will join NATO, which is drawing the ire of Russian leadership. Let’s hope no conflict arises, and our friends in Finland stay safe, and are able to continue their lives normally.
Peace to all.

[Kalle]

Well, at the moment I'm not too worried, as apart from nuclear weapons (and I do not think Putin is that unpredictable) Russia has its hands full down South (not a good thing for Ukraine, obviously). Various cyber attacks are of course possible, but those have been on the table for years now. Also Finland is not really part of the "historical Russian empire" (we were part of the Russian empire only for a bit over 100 years), and the clear show of support from EU, UK, and US should give Putin a pause before sending any troops to visit.

I do appreciate the support from you all. This board is a great place to trade thoughts on the sport we all love, and although I've never seen any of you in person, I consider quite a few of you very good friends.

Let's all hope that the world will not go up in flames and one day there's really Peace on Earth.

[ElvisLives]

Well, at the moment I'm not too worried, as apart from nuclear weapons (and I do not think Putin is that unpredictable) Russia has its hands full down South (not a good thing for Ukraine, obviously). Various cyber attacks are of course possible, but those have been on the table for years now. Also Finland is not really part of the "historical Russian empire" (we were part of the Russian empire only for a bit over 100 years), and the clear show of support from EU, UK, and US should give Putin a pause before sending any troops to visit.

I do appreciate the support from you all. This board is a great place to trade thoughts on the sport we all love, and although I've never seen any of you in person, I consider quite a few of you very good friends.

Let's all hope that the world will not go up in flames and one day there's really Peace on Earth.

Well said, Kalle.    Be safe.

[Ralph Damren]

With Finland and Sweden joining the NATO, nearly all of Europe stands as one . Putin probably looked at Ukraine as a "tater-trot" (ole' Mainer saying, others may say cakewalk) but found that man (gender neutral) fights much harder when defending his homeland on his home soil.

IMHO, sports provides a great exit from the perils and worries of our world today. It doesn't matter if you're a player, coach, official or fan, the enjoyment of games can take away the sting of problems we all face daily.

GO RED SOX , GO CELTICS !!!

[KWH]

Best wishes to you Kalle from the left coast!
Cheers!

[AlUpstateNY]

Well, at the moment I'm not too worried, as apart from nuclear weapons (and I do not think Putin is that unpredictable) Russia has its hands full down South (not a good thing for Ukraine, obviously). Various cyber attacks are of course possible, but those have been on the table for years now. Also Finland is not really part of the "historical Russian empire" (we were part of the Russian empire only for a bit over 100 years), and the clear show of support from EU, UK, and US should give Putin a pause before sending any troops to visit.

I do appreciate the support from you all. This board is a great place to trade thoughts on the sport we all love, and although I've never seen any of you in person, I consider quite a few of you very good friends.

Let's all hope that the world will not go up in flames and one day there's really Peace on Earth.

A lesson most of us have learned over & over on football fields.  Allowing, tolerating or ignoring, unacceptable behavior on a football field ONLY serves to encourage more of it.  Consistently applied consequences, for BAD behavior, must outweigh any actual, or perceived, benefits.

Finland's "flag" on Russia's behavior was swift, direct, pointed & unambiguous, as was the supportive "flag" from Sweden, and both absolutely well deserved and appropriate. Thanks to both for upholding the integrity of the (much larger) game.

[Kalle]

Thank you Ralph (damn the Celtics loss yesterday), KWH, and Al. We are a great community!