NHL games in Tampere
In the beginning of November 2024, two NHL matches will be played in Nokia Arena as NHL Global Series will return to Tampere. Dallas Stars and Florida Panthers will play against each other in two games. The Panthers’ captain Alexander Barkov and Roope Hintz from Dallas Stars will return to their home city Tampere. From Florida Panthers will also play Niko Mikkola, Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen, and from Dallas Stars Miro Heiskanen and Esa Lindell.
In addition to the interesting games in the arena, Keskustori Central Square will become a NHL area where will be organized interesting programme from 30th of October to 2nd of November. The event is free-of-charge.
NHL matches arrived in Tampere for the first time in November 2022 when 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.
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 three seasons, Tappara has won the Finnish Championship, and in seasons 21-22 and 22-23 Ilves got the bronze medals. Choose your side – Ilves or Tappara?
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 World 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.
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. This is a must-visit place for all hockey lovers!
The Museum of Finnish Ice Hockey is located in Museum Cenrtre Vapriikki.