As I was researching Helsinki I came across the various videos from Jet Lag Warriors, whose content I appreciate in general. Seeing their hockey videos prompted me to check the schedule during the dates I would be in town and, as luck would have it, there was indeed an HIFK vs Ilves game. Of course I knew zero about either team. Just knew that I wanted to attend a game during my visit to Helsinki. After doing a lot of back and forth between the seating options on Ticketmaster and the virtual tour feature on the Ice Hall's website, I landed on section F4, Row 5, Seat 69. Felt like I'd have a good view based on what I was seeing.
What I did not catch during my scan is that there are support bars of some kind that run over the rink and one of them connected right above the right shoulder of my seat. You can see it highlighted below.
It had zero impact on my view or comfort while seated. And the seats were actually pretty roomy and comfortable for basic level options. First time I stood up, however, I clocked myself pretty good on the noggin. Later when I got up I almost didn't remember, then did remember mid-rise, and adjusted to dodge the bar. I distinctly noticed some of my more experienced Finnish neighbors lightly laugh at my recognition. To their credit, I did not hear them laugh the first time when I stood up directly into it. Anyway, more interesting shots of the action from my seat further down. But first, the arrival and initial impressions of the Helsinki Ice Hall.
I was riding the tram with a couple of guys late 20s / early 30s and one of them had a kid in a stroller. They were wearing Ilves gear so I knew they were heading to the game. Like the soccer game Thursday night, this was somewhat of a family affair. And you can see that a bit with the crowd walking in.
I did not arrive with too much of a cushion before the drop of the puck, so I grabbed a few shots of the concourse on the way to my seats. Nice, comfortable place to enjoy some hockey. Think the arena seats ~8,000 for games. Good size crowd, but less than half the size of the United Center, for example, which is the last venue where I saw a game live. This was more on the level with the ol' Conte Forum at BC. Conte opened in 1988. Helsinki Ice Hall in 1966. You feel the 20+ year difference. But honestly, I prefer the more modest, less fancy vibes of the Ice Hall.
Also snagged a pic of the ice and a pic of the practice fields for some local / national soccer team (Ice Hall is quite close to the Olympic Stadium).
And while I was hoping to find a great hat or shirt option from HIFK concessions, I did not see anything that I felt like I needed to bring home with me. They have some cooler stuff in their online store, but a limited range of offerings here at the rink. Lástima.
So, time to check out the view from my seat. Not bad.
Crowd was lively, with supporters keeping some chants going from the get go. I checked the standings later and saw that these were two of the worst teams in Liiga. Would not have known it based on fan enthusiasm. Through the course of play, however, there were some clues that Ilves weren't great.
As the game unfolded I learned that the house DJ had a bag a tricks. First time my ears perked up was when I caught this:
Huh? That was unexpected.
Then a penalty was called on Ilves and we got this:
Okay, this was fun. There were songs for specific occasions. "Who Are You?" for penalties on the visiting team. Faceoffs during home team power plays got "Crazy Train" and "Bulls on Parade". Lot of good energy stuff right up the alley of this Gen X attendee from the US.
I forget when or why this was played, but was glad to hear it:
Then the magic happened. HIFK scored. Took me a bit to realize what was going on so this first clip catches it mid-celebration.
Wait, what? Are they playing "Flamethrower" from the 1981 J. Geils Band album, Freeze Frame? The same album I later had signed by Stephen Bladd, drummer for J. Geils, because he was a customer of the Lexington, MA video store I worked at during college? Yes, yes it was. Did a bit of googling in my seat and Wikipedia confirmed that is indeed their goal song. Wow.
Next goal I was ready from the beginning:
Great times were being had by all at the Helsinki Ice Hall!
Now, it was not quite Chelsea Dagger after a Blackhawks goal during the Stanely Cup.
But it was fun. Also, for what it's worth, I did experience the Chelsea Dagger Stanely Cup celebration live once. Can't remember which game exactly, but I was lucky enough to be treated to that back in the day.
During intermission I roamed around a bit. Again, like I witnessed at the soccer game, the Finns do NOT get cheated when it comes to intermission concessions. Beer hall seating was full and everyone seemed to have a cup in hand. No idea how they poured that many beers that quickly.
Also snapped some pics of the ice lit up in the home red.
I stayed for the second period and was treated to four (4!) more HIFK goals. Four more "Flamethrower" celebrations! More than made up for leaving the soccer game at half and missing the two quick second-half Finland goals against Lithuania.
Having witnessed a total of 6 goals I counted myself lucky and left after the second intermission.
Snapped a vibe shot from the tram stop near the arena.
And then a few more shots of the area near my apartment.
And then wrapped it up for the night. Sunday would be another full day, starting with a 10:30 ferry to Tallinn.
