Former NHL goaltender convicted of found guilty in Finland

PUBLICATION

TJ Tucker
May 14, 2024 (8:53)

SHARE THIS STORY

Former NHL goaltender Mika Noronen has been convicted of tax fraud in his home country of Finland after failing to include his NHL pension on his tax return

Mika Noronen, a former first-round NHL pick who went on to play for the Buffalo Sabres and Vancouver Canucks, has been found guilty of tax fraud in his home country of Finland. The conviction deals with income earned from his NHL pension.

According to Ilta Sanomat, Noronen was actually given a 60 day jail sentence, but it was suspended by a judge because of his clean criminal record. Noronen can avoid jail time by completing certain conditions. The prosecution asked for 8 months.

"It was his NHL pension. Noronen played in the NHL for several seasons during his career and was entitled to a pension of almost [$150,000 USD].

The pension was triggered when the ex-goalkeeper turned 40 in June, 2019. Noronen reported his tax number to the US authorities in Finland and requested payment to a Finnish bank account.

The money arrived in Noronen's account. The following spring, Noronen received a pre-filled tax return but failed to declare his pension income."

For his part, Noronen said it was a complete accident, and there was no intent on his part to avoid paying taxes on his pension.

"My intention was not to avoid tax. I wanted to pay my taxes in Finland, because this is where I live and where my children live."

Noronen has repaid the money he owed, which included what he called "a few tons" on interest. The judge in the case sided with Noronen, saying he did not believe the ex-NHLer was trying to evade paying taxes. However, what he did was still a crime and punishment was required.

POLL
MAI 14 \| 132 ANSWERS Former NHL goaltender convicted of found guilty in Finland What are your thoughts on Mika Noronen's conviction on tax fraud?
Punishment was too light	29	22 %
Shouldn't have been punished for a mistake	46	34.8 %
I'm not sure	57	43.2 %
List of polls

MUST READ

Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates with defenseman Zach Werenski (8) his goal against Team Finland in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

8 hours ago | By Tom Banks

Matthew Tkachuk Drawing Heated Criticism For Decision To Play In Four Nations Finale

Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates with Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) his goal against Team Finland in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

9 hours ago | By Tom Banks

Paul Maurice Breaks Silence on Matthew Tkachuk's Injury Status Ahead of Panthers Game Tomorrow Night

Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada head coach Jon Cooper in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game against Team United States at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

12 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente

Video Captures Jon Cooper Sending a Message to McDavid and Marner Ahead of OT Game-Winning Goal

Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Connor McDavid (97) celebrates scoring in overtime to win with defenseman Devon Toews (5) and defenseman Cale Makar (8) and forward Mitch Marner (16) against Team USA during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

13 hours ago | By Tom Banks

Connor McDavid Makes his Feelings Clear on the Passing of the Torch from Sidney Crosby

Feb 17, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Brandon Hagel (38) controls the puck during the first period in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game against Team Finland at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

15 hours ago | By Tom Banks

Brandon Hagel Puts the Final Nail in the Coffin After Latest Shot at the Tkachuk Brothers and Team USA

Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada goalie Jordan Binnington (50) stops Team United States forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

16 hours ago | By Tom Banks

Brady Tkachuk and Insider Both Give Devastating Update On Matthew Tkachuk's Injury Situation

Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Brad Marchand (63) lifts the 4 Nations Face-Off trophy after winning against Team USA in overtime during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

18 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente

Brad Marchand Puts the Tkachuk Brothers on Blast Following Championship Win

Feb 17, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada defenseman Josh Morrissey (44) and forward Anthony Cirelli (71) try and find the loose puck during the second period in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game against Team Finland at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

Feb 20 | By Graham Montgomery