The NHL announced that the Carolina Hurricanes and Seattle Kraken will play two regular-season games in Helsinki, Finland, as part of the 2026 Global Series. The matchups are scheduled for November 12 and 14 at Veikkaus Arena.[1] Game 1 starts at 7 p.m. EET on Thursday, with Game 2 at 8 p.m. EET on Saturday. These times translate to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. ET, respectively, allowing North American fans to tune in during the afternoon.[2]
Both teams boast Finnish talent on their rosters, adding extra intrigue to the transatlantic trip. This marks the Kraken’s first regular-season games abroad in their sixth season, while the Hurricanes return to Helsinki for the first time since 2010. Tickets go on sale March 31 via Ticketmaster, and fan tour packages are already generating buzz.[3]
A storied venue welcomes NHL action
Veikkaus Arena, formerly Hartwall Arena, has a rich history with NHL games. Opened in 1997, it boasts a capacity of 13,349 for hockey and has hosted seven previous regular-season contests. The first NHL game in Finland took place here in 2009, featuring the Chicago Blackhawks against the Florida Panthers.[4]
In 2018, the Winnipeg Jets and Florida Panthers split a two-game series at the arena, the most recent NHL action in Helsinki until now. Overall, Finland has seen 11 of the NHL’s 48 regular-season games outside North America, with seven in this venue. Recent Finnish stops include Tampere for Florida-Dallas last season and Colorado-Columbus in 2022-23.[1]
The Hurricanes themselves have fond memories from 2010, when they swept the Minnesota Wild in the Premiere Series at the then-Hartwall Arena, winning 4-3 and 2-1 in a shootout. Sebastian Aho, now a Hurricanes star, attended that series as a young fan before being drafted by Carolina in 2015.
Fan tours from both teams highlight the venue’s appeal. The Kraken are promoting packages with airfare, hotels, and excursions, while the Hurricanes offer similar interest forms. This setup ensures packed houses and electric atmospheres.
Helsinki’s passionate hockey culture, fueled by Jokerit and a strong NHL following, promises intense support. With NHL broadcasts reaching Europe widely, these games will amplify the league’s global footprint.
Finnish connections fuel the excitement
Both rosters feature prominent Finns likely to shine under hometown lights. Here’s a quick look:
- Carolina Hurricanes: Sebastian Aho (Rauma, team leader with 72 points in 70 games this season) and Jesperi Kotkaniemi (Pori, 9 points in 37 games).[1]
- Seattle Kraken: Kaapo Kakko (Turku, 30 points in 52 games), Eeli Tolvanen (Vihti, 35 points in 66 games), and prospect Jani Nyman (6 points in 26 games). Additional Finnish prospects include Ville Ottavainen, Nikke Kokko, Julius Miettinen, and Kim Saarinen.[3]
Aho expressed thrill about the trip: “It’s super-exciting to get to play in Finland. I think it’s very important growing the game. Little kids all over the world get to see the highest level of hockey.”[1] Kakko echoed the sentiment: “Going back to Finland to see all the families watching the games, it’s going to be fun.”
The Kraken’s Kakko elaborated further in a team release: “I was always thinking that it would be fun to play there in Finland in front of all of my family and friends. Now, I’ll get to do that, so I’m real excited about it. Everybody there watches the NHL on TV now because there are so many players from Finland. But they don’t often get the chance to see an NHL game in person.”[3]
These players, all but Tolvanen under contract for next season per recent reports, could turn the series into a showcase. For context on team form, check the Carolina Hurricanes victory over Dallas or the Seattle Kraken prospect milestone.
Team milestones and strategic angles
The Kraken venture abroad for the first time, a milestone in their expansion journey. CEO Tod Leiweke captured the spirit: “We are kindred spirit with the Finnish people… We look forward to being there joined by scores of Kraken fans in a first for our franchise.”[3]
Carolina’s return builds on their 2010 success, offering a chance to reconnect with European roots. Both teams sit competitively in their divisions, with the Hurricanes leading the Metropolitan and Kraken pushing for playoffs. These games count fully in standings, adding stakes.[2]
Logistics like jet lag and arena familiarity will test preparations. Yet, the Finns provide an edge, potentially easing transitions. Fan travel packages from NHL.com Hurricanes and Kraken sites signal strong support.
Recent head-to-heads, like Seattle’s 2-1 win over Carolina on March 2, hint at tight battles. Expect speed, skill, and special teams to decide outcomes.
Global Series expands hockey’s reach
The NHL has played 42 regular-season games in Europe since 2007, reaching 48 total abroad before these.[4] This Helsinki pair marks the 50th, with Ottawa and Chicago slated for Dusseldorf, Germany, in December.
Finland’s role underscores its talent pipeline, from Aho to Kakko. The series rewards fans with live NHL action, boosting broadcasts and youth participation.
As the 13th season of international play, it highlights the league’s commitment. More details on the NHL Global Series announcement.
These games promise high drama, Finnish pride, and pivotal points. Watch for standout performances from the locals—they could swing the series and energize playoff pushes. With both teams trending up, Helsinki might preview deeper postseason clashes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.