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The great atmosphere of Ice Hockey World Championships

Did you know that Finland’s first official ice hockey game was played on Näsijärvi lake in 1928? Finland’s first ice rink was opened in Hakametsä in 1965 – the same year as Tampere hosted the first ever Ice Hockey World Championship games in Finland.

In 2022, the puck came back home. Tampere hosted the 2022 Ice Hockey World Championship together with Helsinki. The bronze and gold medal games were played in the brand new Nokia Arena, which was opened 5 months earlier. From the Finnish perspective, the Ice Hockey Championship ended up very well since Finland won the fourth Ice Hockey Championship – but the first one ever at home!

Again next year, Tampere hosted the 2023 Ice Hockey World Championship together with Riga, Latvia. Preliminary groups and quarter-final matches were played in both cities, from semi-finals to finals, the puck dropped at Nokia Arena, Tampere.

NHL games in Tampere

In November, 2022, NHL-matches arrived to Finland. Columbus Blue Jackets faced Colorado Avalanche in two matches at Nokia Arena. From the Finnish NHL stars, Patrik Laine and Joonas Korpisalo from Blue Jackets and Mikko Rantanen and Artturi Lehkonen from Avalanche were seen on ice. Fans had a special chance to follow the practice on ice as well!

Local derbies

Ice hockey is visible in Tampere every day. Local teams Ilves and Tappara not only play against each other, they also play for the Finnish Championship! For the last two seasons, Tappara has won the Finnish Championship and Ilves got the bronze medals. Choose your side – Ilves or Tappara?

Ice Hockey Museum!

The Museum of Finnish Ice Hockey and Hockey Hall of Fame Finland are located in Tampere. Hockey Hall of Fame Finland showcases the players, referees, coaches and builders who have received the highest honor in Finnish ice hockey: the title of Ice Hockey Lion. It is also home of the most distinguished sports award: Finnish Hockey League’s Canada Bowl. Additionally, the World Championship trophies won by Finland are on display.

Their newly renewed permanent exhibition, demonstrates the history of Finnish ice hockey highlighting the development of the sport and its equipment, the accomplishments of the national teams. This is a must-visit place for all hockey lovers!

The Museum of Finnish Ice Hockey is located in Museum Cenrtre Vapriikki.