Sebastian Aho and the NHL’s Return to Finland: 2026 Global Series

Sebastian Aho Excited for NHL’s Return to Finland in 2026

The National Hockey League (NHL) is heading back to Helsinki, Finland, in the 2026 NHL Global Series Finland, with the Carolina Hurricanes and Seattle Kraken set to face off in two regular-season games at Veikkaus Arena on November 12th and 14th. This exciting announcement brings the thrill of live NHL action closer to European fans and provides a special opportunity for Finnish players like Sebastian Aho to play on home ice.

Finnish Representation in the NHL

The Hurricanes and Kraken boast a significant Finnish presence on their rosters. Carolina currently features forwards Sebastian Aho (Rauma) and Jesperi Kotkaniemi (Pori), while Seattle includes forwards Kaapo Kakko (Turku), Eeli Tolvanen (Vihti), and Jani Nyman (Valkeakoski). This strong representation underscores Finland’s growing influence in the world of professional hockey.

“It’s super-exciting to get to play in Finland,” Aho expressed. “I think it’s very important for growing the game. Little kids all over the world get to see the highest level of hockey.”

Aho’s Connection to Veikkaus Arena

While this will be Aho’s first opportunity to play an NHL game in his home country, it won’t be his first experience at Veikkaus Arena (formerly Hartwall Arena). In 2010, five years before being drafted by Carolina, he attended a Hurricanes game against the Minnesota Wild at the same venue. “This is a long time ago,” Aho reminisced. “It was such a cool moment.”

NHL Global Series: Expanding the Game’s Reach

The 2026 Global Series marks a return to Helsinki for the first time since 2018, when the Florida Panthers and Winnipeg Jets played a two-game series. Last season saw games in Tampere, Finland, featuring the Panthers and Dallas Stars, and in 2022-23, the Colorado Avalanche and Columbus Blue Jackets played in Tampere. The NHL also announced games in Dusseldorf, Germany, between the Chicago Blackhawks and Ottawa Senators.

This initiative represents the 13th season, and fifth consecutive year, the NHL has brought regular-season games to Europe. The NHL recognizes the passionate fanbase in Europe, supported by international broadcasts, streaming services like NHL.TV and DAZN, and extensive social media and online content in seven languages.

European Hockey History

To date, 48 regular-season games have been played outside North America, with 11 in Finland (seven in Helsinki) and one in Germany. The Kraken will be making their European debut, becoming the 27th NHL team to participate in overseas games.

Player Reactions and Anticipation

Kakko shared his excitement, stating, “It’s my first time being able to go and play there, so it will be nice to play in front of my family and friends.” He emphasized the strong hockey culture in Finland, noting, “Hockey is big over there; they love hockey over there… I think they are going to love it.”

Tolvanen echoed this sentiment, recalling the excitement surrounding previous NHL games in Finland as a child. “It’s going to be huge,” he said. “I remember as a kid when NHL games were over there, they were massive.”

Player Stats & Background

Sebastian Aho (Carolina): 28 years old, 72 points (25 goals, 47 assists) in 70 games this season.
Jesperi Kotkaniemi (Carolina): 25 years old, 9 points (2 goals, 7 assists) in 37 games this season.
Kaapo Kakko (Seattle): 25 years old, 30 points (11 goals, 19 assists) in 52 games this season.
Eeli Tolvanen (Seattle): 26 years old, 35 points (12 goals, 23 assists) in 66 games this season.
Jani Nyman (Seattle): 21 years old, 6 points (4 goals, 2 assists) in 26 games this season.

Tickets for the 2026 NHL Global Series games will be available later this month. Stay tuned to NHL.com for more information.