Finnish NHL stars bought a lot of tickets for the games in Tampere

Mikko Rantasta laughed on Thursday during the Avalanche’s training in the Nokia Arena. JUSSI ESKOLA

The Colorado Avalanche and Columbus Blue Jackets teams have spent a nice week in Helsinki and Tampere.

The fun pastime is coming to an end. There are two real regular season games ahead.

– These are not normal away games for me and To Arthur. But we just want to win these games – the venue doesn’t matter. We haven’t won as many games in the early season as we would like, Mikko Rantanen reminds.

The defending Stanley Cup champions have won four of nine games.

Show secondary

The NHL came to Finland spectacularly. The players have posed openly with fans all week, for example in the city and in the gym.

Many fans have received a selfie and a name from their favorite players.

Without a doubt, some waiter has received the biggest tip of his life in Helsinki and Tampere this week from NHL millionaires.

– Yes, we have tried to give names to everyone who wants them. A few years ago, I was asking for them with my hands up, says Rantanen.

The NHL show continues on Friday at 8 p.m.

– Then I don’t know how important the show is. Yes, we try to win games. I don’t think there will be any problems with charging after this week. You have to be ready, Artturi Lehkonen reminds.

Pate’s shot

The Blue Jackets’ early season hasn’t been special. The team is at the bottom of the Eastern Conference.

– I guess it hasn’t been a good early season there either. Columbus plays in the East. We don’t meet very often. I don’t know much about the team. We will know more on Friday morning when the coach shows the videos, says Rantanen.

– But number 29 (Patrik Laine) is there, and he has a good shot, Rantanen laughed at the audience at an international media event.

My face

Patrik Laine will at least be a favorite of Tampere viewers. He is a player who always arouses feelings for and against. The winger doesn’t care too much about being in the spotlight.

– You see enough of your own face in advertisements. However, the game is Columbus vs. Colorado. We’re here as a team and we’re looking for a win, Tappara’s kid reminds us.

Laine has only played four games this season due to injury.

Secret number of tickets

Finnish players have a unique situation to be able to play NHL regular season games in Finland.

Avalanche players have bought dozens of tickets for their family members and friends.

– Quite a lot of tickets have been bought. I don’t want to say the exact amount. You have to play a lot, but these games don’t happen very often. He would love to buy them, Rantanen says, and Lehkonen nods next to him.

Happy puck player

Coached the Avalanche to win the Stanley Cup last summer Jared Bednar has watched from the sidelines his team’s togetherness and welding together in Finland.

– Having fun is always important throughout the long season. A happy hockey player is a productive hockey player, the head coach knows.