It’s difficult to convey just how peaceful Finland feels, at least to someone like me. I was struck by the nation’s serenity as I stepped into Helsinki Airport, where birdsong is played on loop. From there, I sauntered to passport control and fielded questions from a border official. “So, will it be Columbus or Colorado?” he asked once it was clear that I was on my way to Tampere for the NHL Global Series.
Anxious to see whether my prediction would result in a swift – but calm – deportation, I replied: “It’ll be a surprise if it isn’t the Avalanche.” He nodded, double-checked my face against my passport, and stamped it authoritatively. Welcome to Suomi.
In another display of Finland’s nonchalant efficacy, my suitcase beat me to the reclaim area – where it sat, motionless, on a half-empty conveyer belt. Quickly, I set off in the direction of the airport’s vast train station, paid €4.10 for a ticket to the city centre, and waited less than a minute for the next service to arrive.
I needn’t have rushed – trains pass through every ten minutes – but I was still adjusting to a culture where the locals wait for green signals to cross the road, kick back in coffee shops until late at night, and view hockey as a form of art.
NHL Global Series: Finland is the perfect overseas destination
I spent three days in Finland, staying in Helsinki for the first night before heading north to Tampere to watch the Colorado Avalanche take on the Columbus Blue Jackets in a contest between the Stanley Cup holders and winners of the Johnny Gaudreau sweepstakes.
It quickly became apparent that I needed a fourth or fifth day to fully appreciate the country’s appeal.
Helsinki is a beautiful city, filled with the amenities you would expect from a hub of one million people. It also embodies an unshakeable sense of calmness: public transport runs on time, litter doesn’t fill the streets, and drama remains a foreign concept.
Finland’s capital is divided in one important sense, though. If you like hockey – and you will if you live in Helsinki – you support HIFK or Jokerit, a rivalry that will be renewed once the latter returns to Liiga next term.
Ultimately, the vibes are immaculate on the shore of the Gulf of Finland. But what about in the nation’s third-largest city, Tampere? I started my journey to Nokia Arena shortly after midday in Helsinki, dropped into a window seat on the train, and spent the next two hours in a state of anxious excitement.
NHL Global Series: Nokia Arena, Tampere, Finland (Image: Luke James)
Tickets for the NHL Global Series were steep and nobody knew whether the Avalanche and Blue Jackets would live up to the hype. “I can’t even imagine how annoying it’ll be if tonight is low-scoring and ends in a shootout,” I worried as I stepped off the train and into Tampere’s cool air. I needn’t have stressed. Colorado versus Columbus was an instant classic, played in a venue befitting of the occasion.
Mikko Rantanen stars with hattrick in NHL Global Series
Nokia Arena is an impressive facility which dominates the local skyline. It also provides home ice to Ilves and Tappara – the city’s top-flight clubs – and hosted the 2022 IIHF Men’s World Championship. Last Friday and Saturday, it set the scene for the NHL Global Series.
I was in town for the first part of the event and arrived in Tampere six hours before puck drop. Already, the city was a pool of excitement with a curious blend of hockey jerseys on show. While the Avalanche and Blue Jackets were well-represented, the streets were punctuated with merchandise purchased when hometown hero Patrik Laine was a member of the Winnipeg Jets.
Thankfully for his battalion of supporters, the former second overall pick didn’t disappoint on his return to Tampere. Laine recorded a multi-point performance for the Blue Jackets and was a constant threat whenever he stepped onto the ice in the NHL Global Series.
Here’s a wild clip from my trip to the #NHLGlobalSeries — Patrik Laine’s second-period strike in all its glory. pic.twitter.com/o49yQEszQF
— Luke James (@LukeJames_32) November 7, 2022
However, it was his compatriot Mikko Rantanen who stole the show with a hattrick in a 6-3 win for Colorado. He was dominant for the Avalanche and couldn’t hide his emotions when the Nokia Arena crowd chanted his name in unison as the final buzzer sounded: “Mii-ikkooo Rant-a-nennn, Mikko Rantanen, Miii-kkooo Rant-a-nennn, Mikko Rantanen…”
“It was really cool,” the 26-year-old forward said. “I didn’t really expect it. I thought the crowd was really good the whole game. I was happy to hear that. I was surprised: it gave me a few chills.”
Rantanen starred, but it was a special occasion for everyone involved at Nokia Arena.
Mikko Rantanen chants in Tampere. Special stuff. pic.twitter.com/sTS3WrjZk2
— Peter Baugh (@Peter_Baugh) November 4, 2022
“It was really cool,” said Avalanche centreman Nathan MacKinnon. “I can imagine myself being in my hometown and hearing the chants. We’re pretty far from Denver; it was amazing to hear that.”
The NHL Global Series is a unique event because the crowd is more interested in the sport than whether their team – if they have one – wins or loses. In Tampere, the night was about showing appreciation for local icons, dropping by the merchandise stall, and watching the world’s best players strut their stuff. And it made for a fun atmosphere that all about the hockey.
Most importantly, it was an occasion each squad – and every fan in attendance – will cherish.
“It was a cool game and it was cool to play in Finland,” Rantanen said. “Obviously I’ve been waiting for this. It was postponed last year. Really cool and waiting for the moment. It’s a night I won’t forget.”
Mikko, nor will I.
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