The week in Finland with the team was priceless

Hi everyone!

My inner clock wakes me up at 1.43 am, after couple of hours it’s time to go to the arena. Welcome to the world of time zones! Oh right, we’re in Finland. Instead of Honda Center we go to Hartwall Arena. This time it was surprisingly hard to get over the jetlag, though the flu, which I had throughout the week, probably didn’t help either.

Those were still minor things, because the week in Finland and in beloved Helsinki with your own team was priceless. Few players get a chance to play NHL game in their home city.

On Sunday morning we arrived at Helsinki airport* and went straight to the arena for practice, after which we checked in to our hotel. After lunch we all went with two boats to see the beautiful Helsinki from the sea. After quick sightseeing we arrived to a small island called "Saunasaari", and that was amazing place!

I didn’t even know how cool the place was: 3 different kind of "smoke saunas", several hot "palju", small beautiful cottages and cool old boathouse, which had big windows to the sea. Dudes were all excited; you almost couldn’t get them off there. Everyone even went swimming, most of them multiply times. You don’t really get this kind of experience anywhere else. After having a sauna we had Finnish beer, sausages and "loimulohi". The guys will remember that trip for a long time! And otherwise too, they really liked Helsinki. Food was good, people were friendly and couple of bars "worked" well.

The game against Jokerit on Tuesday was extraordinary experience for me. I didn’t really know what to expect, but the reception I got from the crowd, was heart-warming. I didn’t really know which way to be, I was even slightly embarrassed of the special attention**. But I will remember that for the rest of my life, thank you all for that! The game against Buffalo on Friday was also nice experience. Even though our game didn’t quite work, it was a great night. And it was nice to once again see how awesome hockey fans we have in Finland.

Right after the game we departed to Stockholm for the game against Rangers. We arrived at the hotel at 3.30 am, and our bus to the arena left at 10. You didn’t really feel very fresh at that moment but quite typical for NHL game trips. Why sleep, if you don’t have to? Ha ha! Luckily we won that game; it made the 15 hour flight back home a lot more relaxing.

So everything lasts for a while. As unforgettable and great trip we had, with the words of Tapio Rautavaara: the best trip is the one to home!* Next Friday we start the games here in this continent, it’s time to get this party started. Ciao!

1) which actually locates in Vantaa…
2) how wonderfully Finnish of him :)
3) the Finnish version works better