Finland's Toni Rajala faces the tough question of whether to return home or join the Oilers' system.
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Should I stay or should I go?
That's a question young European athletes often face. But in Toni Rajala's case, "staying" implied North America and "going" meant returning home to Finland. Rajala had just competed in the MasterCard Memorial Cup with the Brandon Wheat Kings after a strong first season in the Western Hockey League, but the appeal to return to his native country became too overpowering.
What drew him back to Finland is perhaps the most intriguing part of his story. Rajala, who had represented his country many times on the ice as a hockey player, was ready to trade his hockey equipment for military attire.
"I just wanted to go back to Finland and go to the army and start the army right after (the Memorial Cup)," he said.
If it sounds strange, it shouldn't. At least not for a Finnish male under the age of 26.
Each male is required to provide his country with a year of military service before turning 26. However, in Rajala's case, he will only serve his country sporadically and for just six months as opposed to a full year. It's just one of the perks that come with being a professional athlete.
"I'm happy about that," Rajala joked.
It's also a more lax lifestyle if you're a professional athlete, according to Rajala. While some of his childhood friends have twice the duration, the military doesn't interfere much with his hockey schedule. Three of his teammates with Ilves in the men's league in Finland recently completed their military services and thought it was a breeze.
"They can come to practice almost every day and play every game," Rajala said. "If you're normal people, it's pretty hard. If you're a pro athlete, it's pretty easy."
Rajala spent part of his summer fulfilling his federally-mandated military service in hope it could help expedite a return to North America. He's currently taking a break from the army during the season with the intention of finishing it this summer.
Although the original plan was not to leave Brandon after just one season, by fulfilling his military services he can make his permanent return to North America next season. Rajala signed with the Edmonton Oilers two weeks after they drafted him in the fourth round in 2009.
Rajala remains undecided on where he will play next season, but he's leaning towards beginning his time in the Oilers' system. The excitement to join the Oilers is tempting, given the young core of players in Edmonton.
"They have great young players," Rajala said. "A couple years and they (will) have a very good team. I want to be a part of that team for sure."
Rajala has nothing but great memories from his time playing for the Wheat Kings. But while Rajala had a positive experience in North America, it doesn't answer the question as to whether it's a good fit for every Finnish player to make the jump.
Teemu Pulkkinen, a teammate of Rajala's on the Finnish world junior team, opted not to join the Kelowna Rockets instead of staying home. Pulkkinen, who was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings last June, said it was an easy decision to stay home.
Pulkkinen has less interest in crossing the pond to play in North America than Rajala. Unlike Rajala, Pulkkinen has yet to begin his military service and is mum about when he might fulfill his requirements.
Pulkkinen is undecided if he would report to Kelowna if the Red Wings asked him to hone his skills in the WHL, simply calling it, "a tough decision."
So what is the proper route for Finnish players with the potential to play in the National Hockey League?
Lauri Marjamaki, the head coach of the Finnish world junior team, says it depends on the player, but notes staying in Finland has its advantages.
"Sometimes our players are going too early," he said.
The benefit of going to North America, Marjamaki says, is it forces Finnish players to grow up quicker and gives them the opportunity to learn a different culture.
The attitude amongst those in Finland is equally divided when teenage athletes make the trek west across the Atlantic Ocean.
"Some (people) are pretty happy and some think, 'why now?'" Marjamaki explained.
But if players are going too early, what is an ideal age?
"I can't say any age," Marjamaki began, "But maybe 20 years old is better."
Even though Rajala went back home this season, he would recommend going to play junior in Canada to another Finnish player pondering the same question.
"It's good to come here if you want to play in the NHL," he said.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
Rajala developed a friendship with Team Canada forward Brayden Schenn when they played together in Brandon last season. Rajala jokingly told Schenn he would be in the NHL this season, which he was, briefly, and developed a nickname for the prospect drafted by the Los Angeles Kings.
"His nickname for me is 'Hollywood,'" Schenn said. "(He's a) Finland guy who doesn't know much about L.A. All he knows is Hollywood, so that's what he called me."
