The NHL is making waves across the Atlantic, continuing its push to broaden the sport's reach in Europe under Commissioner Gary Bettman. With a focus on expanding the game's global presence, the league is set to feature the Carolina Hurricanes in an overseas matchup for the first time in years.
In an exciting announcement, the Hurricanes will face off against the Seattle Kraken in Helsinki, Finland, this November. The two-game series kicks off on Thursday, November 12, with a 7 pm local puck drop (12 pm EST), followed by a Saturday showdown at 8 pm (1 pm EST).
This isn't the Hurricanes' first international rodeo. Back in 2010, they opened the season in Helsinki, taking on the Minnesota Wild during the Premiere Series.
The Canes swept those games, winning 4-3 and 2-1 in a thrilling shootout. That team boasted Finnish talent like Jussi Jokinen, Joni Pitkanen, and Tuomo Ruutu, adding a special flair to the matches.
Fast forward to today, and the Hurricanes and Kraken bring five Finnish players to the ice. Seattle's roster includes Eeli Tolvanen, Jani Nyman, and Kaapo Kakko, while Carolina features Jesperi Kotkaniemi and star Sebastian Aho. Aho, fresh off surpassing 700 NHL career points and securing an Olympic bronze with Finland, is expected to be a major draw.
These Finnish matchups are part of the NHL's Global Series, which also includes games in Germany this December. The Ottawa Senators and Chicago Blackhawks will take the ice, marking the league's second regular-season appearance in Germany since 2024.
For the Finns involved, these games are more than just matchups; they're a homecoming of sorts, offering a chance to shine on familiar ice. With anticipation building, fans can expect plenty of excitement as more details emerge in the coming months.