Avoveitsillä

Avoveitsillä is a term of Finnish origin that translates to "with an open knife" or "uncovered knife." It is most commonly used in the context of ice hockey, referring to a situation where a player's skate blade is exposed and potentially dangerous to other players. This can occur when a player falls, loses their balance, or when their skates are positioned in a way that leaves the sharp edges unprotected.

In ice hockey, the blades of skates are extremely sharp and designed for cutting into the ice to provide grip and allow for quick turns. When a skate is "avoveitsillä," this sharp edge is no longer controlled by the player's foot and leg, making accidental contact with another player's body, especially their legs or ankles, a significant risk. Such contact can result in serious cuts and injuries.

Referees in ice hockey are vigilant about identifying and penalizing actions that create a dangerous situation for players. While "avoveitsillä" itself is not a penalty, a player who deliberately or recklessly exposes their skate blade in a manner that endangers an opponent may be called for penalties such as slashing, tripping, or spearing, depending on the specific action and intent. Players are trained to be aware of their skate positioning, especially during battles for the puck or when falling, to minimize the risk of injury to themselves and others. The concept emphasizes the inherent danger posed by sharp skate blades in a fast-paced, physical sport.