From the Ducks’ PR staff:

On Sunday, Finnish Ambassador to the United States, Mr. Pekka Lintu, along with wife, Mrs. Laurel Colless made an official trip to Honda Center to watch Teemu Selanne and the Anaheim Ducks take on the Dallas Stars. Following the game in a private ceremony, the Ambassador presented Selanne with “The Cross of Merit of the Order of the Lion of Finland.” The medal was awarded for Selanne’s outstanding role in promoting Finnish sportsmanship and values in the NHL.

The medal was granted to Selanne on Finnish Independence Day (Dec. 6, 2010) by Mrs. Tarja Halonen, President of Finland. Ambassador Lintu and Mrs. Colless traveled to Anaheim to present the medal to Selanne on the President’s behalf. It marks the first time a Finnish ice hockey player has received the Cross of Merit honor.

On Independence Day, the Finnish President acknowledges the work and achievements of individual citizens by granting medals and orders of different levels.

Sounds like a rare accomplishment, one that may supercede any awards Selanne earns for playing hockey this season.