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Back to Helsinki in this fall’s NHL. The Carolina Hurricanes and Seattle Kraken will play in two matchups in Veikkaus Arena on November 12 and 14, creating the 2026 Global Series in Finland. The matchups give Finnish fans two nights of NHL action and some players a rare chance to play on home ice.
Homecomings and Firsts
Carolina is bringing with her Sebastian Aho and Jesperi Kotkaniemi, both Finns and one and all prepared to play in front of their own people. Seattle also has its own bunch of Finns, namely Kaapo Kakko and Eeli Tolvanen, so the series naturally rolls into the city of Helsinki.
It is the first regular-season games outside North America for the Kraken. The Hurricanes are returning to Finland after other appearances in Europe. The games are just the latest in the NHL’s consistent European appearances.
The city of Helsinki has arranged regular-season matches before, and the Veikkaus Arena also has a history of supporting international action in the league. The two-night stand will feature a designated home night for each club, providing fans and locals with obvious sides to support.
More Than Two Games
The Global Series are events on two fronts. They give the league presence in the standings and foster ties with European hockey fans and clubs. Finnish nights will have a special meaning for those who have Finnish connections. The other guys are going to be in a different setting and have a respite from the everyday North American program.
As the season moves into November, it’ll be all about Helsinki. Two regular-season games, a strong Finnish contingent on both benches, and yet another chapter in the NHL’s European saga. It’s being delivered by the Hurricanes and the Kraken.
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