Female hockey players make significantly less money than men. Finland’s goalie, Noora Räty, says she will be forced into retirement if she can’t play on a professional competitive team.
Finland's goalie, Noora Räty, said that she plans to retire after the Sochi Olympics unless she can play in a competitive league that doesn't require her to work a second job.
Given the status quo, Räty says, this means she would need to play in a men's league. She says she made the decision after realizing that quitting the sport she loves might be the only way to make a living and sustain herself financially.
Phil Noble / Reuters
Räty said she wanted to make the announcement after Sochi, but let it slip in an interview. She then tweeted a longer statement explaining her reasoning.
"Before the season started, I made a decision that my national team career will end here in Sochi," she wrote. "Also, I will hang up my skates for good if I can’t play professional hockey IN A COMPETITIVE LEAGUE next season."
Chuck Myers / MCT
“I’m 24-years-old, out of the college, single, and the money doesn’t grow in trees,” Räty explained.
Laszlo Balogh / Reuters