The Kraken Are Going to Finland, and It's About to Get Really Cool
Mark your calendars, Seattle: the Kraken are heading to Helsinki in November as part of the NHL's Global Series, and it is a massive moment for the franchise. The league and players' association just announced that Seattle will take on the Carolina Hurricanes for two games on November 12 and November 14 in the Finnish capital. This is the Kraken's first international trip in their sixth season of existence, and honestly, it feels like a rite of passage for the franchise.
A Finnish Connection on Both Sides
Here is what makes this trip even more interesting: both teams have serious Finnish talent on their rosters. The Kraken will have Kaapo Kakko and Eeli Tolvanen skating for the home crowd, while Carolina brings Sebastian Aho and Jesperi Kotkaniemi. Playing in front of fans in your home country is different, right? You can feel the extra juice. For Kakko especially, this has to be special. All but Tolvanen are locked in for next season, so you know the Kraken will have that Finnish firepower on the ice in Helsinki.
Part of a Global NHL Push
The NHL has been serious about taking hockey around the world. Since 2007, the league has played 42 regular-season games in Europe, and Helsinki's Veikkaus Arena (formerly Hartwall Arena) has hosted seven of them, with the most recent matchup back in 2018 between Florida and Winnipeg. The league is not slowing down either. Ottawa and Chicago are scheduled to play in Duesseldorf, Germany in December, so the NHL's global footprint just keeps growing.
The Kraken have waited six years to do something like this, and now it is happening. The Hurricanes have been abroad before, but not since 2010, so this is a big deal for both franchises. Two games in the heart of the Emerald City's Finnish community connection. You have to love it.
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This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.