Former NHLer says he regrets his words after criticizing Russia and Putin on live TV

A former NHLer turned analyst in Finland is backtracking after having some things to say about Team Russian and Russian president Vladimir Putin while on the air. Tuomas Gronman, who played two seasons in the NHL - one with Pittsburgh and another with Chicago - said he would have chosen his words better.

Gronman was in a TV studio on Saturday in Finland providing analysis for Olympic hockey. While discussing the men's team from Russian, Gronman said "I always hope that Russia will lose. I'm not a little Putin."

Gronman was heavily criticized on social media for fanning flames. Russia and Ukraine are currently in a very volatile situation. Finland also has a long history of conflict, both physical and political, with Russia. Reached later for comment, he said he should have chosen his words more wisely.

"I said that I don't support Russia in sport. But, I chose the wrong words, and I regret that," Grönman said.

He said during his playing years, in which he won a bronze medal with Finland at the 1998 Olympics in Nagano, the goal was always to beat Russia. However, he added given the current volatile world political situation, his comments were thoughtless.

"In hindsight, I can understand it. But the situation came up quickly, and the wrong words were chosen," he added.

Source: Iltalehti.fi

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