This year, it is not only women who hand out prizes after the World Cup matches. I appreciate this job very much, says Ella Kangasalusta, who has read negative comments both this year and last year.
It was in connection with the hockey World Cup last year that the debate flared up.
Why was it only women who brought the prizes after the games and held the medal trays when the championship ended? On social media, the arrangements were criticized and the women were called, among other things, “medal racks” and “trophy tables”.
Until this year, there have been changes.
– Last year all the prize givers were women, but this year the group consists of both men and women, communications manager Henna Malmberg from the Ice Hockey Federation tells Yle.
According to Malmberg, the group this year consists of three women and two men, aged 20–34. The change was possible when both female and male volunteers were found.
– This only applies to the ongoing championship. Regarding future championships, I cannot take a position, Malmberg continues.
The coach’s father: I don’t understand how people can take it
One of those who ended up being criticized on social media last year was Ella Kangasalusta. She has the same task in the WC matches this year as well.
According to Kangasalusta, there have been negative comments this year as well.
– Surely not everyone can be satisfied. I think it’s wonderful to be involved in the WC in some way. This is really a nice experience, which I appreciate very much, she says.
Pekka Kangasalusta serves as assistant coach for Germany in Tampere.
Bild: Tomi Hänninen
Pekka Kangasalu
This year, her father is also at the WC. Pekka Kangasalusta works as an assistant coach in the German team.
He says he is frustrated by the critical voices.
– I am amazed at how people can still go on like that. Don’t they have something better to do? Pekka Kangasalusta asks himself why General Sports.
– If the girls are there of their own free will, then others don’t need to care about it.
