Report: Young NHL defenseman must report for military service.

Being a professional athlete, especially if you're a good one, can at times help you get away with a lot, but it can't free you from your responsibilities. One National Hockey League defenseman will be reminded of that fact this summer when he reports for indentured military service.

According to a recent report from Finish hockey writer Jula Hitela, Penguins defenseman Olli Maatta is scheduled to begin his military service in Findland on the 18th of April. If the Penguins were to make the playoffs however that date would be push backed according to Hitela.

It's unclear at this time if Maatta will miss any time with the Penguins, indentured military service in Finland is for a six month period, and that would obviously overlap with training camp and the preseason. While nothing has been confirmed officially, we suspect that an exception will be made for Maatta and he will be allowed to return to the NHL on time. So while he can't avoid his responsibilities, they can certainly be tailored to be made a little easier.

[pub]