NHL Global Series 2026: Hurricanes and Kraken Set to Shine in Helsinki
The NHL is set to make a return to Helsinki, Finland, next season with the Carolina Hurricanes and Seattle Kraken scheduled to play two regular-season games in the 2026 NHL Global Series Finland. The games will take place at Veikkaus Arena on Nov. 12 and Nov. 14. Both teams have players born in Finland, adding to the excitement of playing in the country. This marks a significant moment for the players and fans alike, as they get to witness top-level hockey in their home country.
For Hurricanes forward Sebastian Aho, this will be a special opportunity to play an NHL game in his home country for the first time. Aho, who was selected by Carolina in the 2015 NHL Draft, has fond memories of attending an NHL game in Helsinki back in 2010. The upcoming Global Series in Finland will bring back nostalgic moments for Aho and other players with Finnish roots on both teams.
The 2026 Global Series in Helsinki follows previous NHL games played in Finland, including the 2018 series between the Florida Panthers and Winnipeg Jets. The upcoming games in Finland and Germany will mark the 13th season of the NHL traveling to Europe for regular-season games. These games are a way for the NHL to engage with its international fan base and showcase the league's top players on various platforms.
The Seattle Kraken will be making their debut in Europe with these games, becoming the 27th NHL team to play a regular-season game on the continent. Players like Kaapo Kakko, Eeli Tolvanen, and Jani Nyman are looking forward to the opportunity to play in front of their families and fans in Finland. The games in Helsinki will be a special experience for the players and fans alike, creating lasting memories for all involved.
As the excitement builds for the 2026 NHL Global Series games in Finland and Germany, fans can look forward to witnessing thrilling matchups between the Hurricanes, Kraken, Chicago Blackhawks, and Ottawa Senators. Tickets for these highly anticipated games will be available for purchase later this month, giving fans the chance to be part of the action and support their favorite teams on an international stage.