Sebastian Aho Thrilled to Bring Hurricanes to Finland for NHL Global Series

The Carolina Hurricanes are set to make a splash in international hockey as they have been selected to participate in the NHL Global Series in Helsinki, Finland. This announcement has sparked excitement among Hurricanes fans, especially those from overseas. Among the most enthusiastic about this news is alternate captain Sebastian Aho, who is eager to return to his homeland for the games.

Aho, a Finnish centerman with a decade of NHL experience under his belt, has cherished the opportunity to return home each offseason. However, he hasn’t played in an official game in Finland since 2016. Now, he will have the chance to showcase his skills in front of a local crowd once again. “Obviously it’s gonna be somewhat weird because not every person is either a Kraken or Canes fan, right?” Aho remarked. “They’re watching good hockey and hopefully rooting for the Finns. But I’m sure it will be a good atmosphere.”

As the event approaches, Aho and his wife have been busy organizing ticket requests for family and friends eager to witness the games. “There’s a lot,” he said, reflecting on the logistics of accommodating loved ones. “Been trying to figure out how many tickets and all that I’m gonna get for the game, so we’ve been asking the close friends and family if they’re available for those dates and most of them will be coming, which is awesome. It’s probably gonna be a little expensive, but we’ll see what we’ll be able to work out.” Aho is clearly looking forward to sharing this special experience with those who have supported him throughout his career.

This opportunity is a rare one, and Aho isn’t overly concerned about the financial implications. He first learned about the NHL Global Series shortly before the Olympic break when Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky delivered the exciting news in the locker room. “Eric came to the locker room and broke the news for me and within the next five minutes, every guy in the locker room knew pretty much,” Aho shared, emphasizing the thrill that spread among his teammates.

In the lead-up to the event, Aho has also connected with fellow Finnish Olympians, including Seattle Kraken forward Kaapo Kakko, who will be opposing Aho and the Hurricanes in Finland. Aho playfully noted Kakko’s joke about making restaurant reservations to ensure the Hurricanes would have limited dining options. “We’ll have to be quick to get some reservations at the best spots there because I’m sure they want to do the fun stuff too,” Aho said, hinting at the camaraderie that will unfold during their time abroad.

While Aho kept specifics about team activities under wraps to maintain an element of surprise, he did mention that fans can expect a sauna experience and traditional Finnish dishes such as salmon soup and reindeer. “I’m sure the boys will enjoy it,” he said. “Those are probably the things that are a must, but there’s plenty of good restaurants in the city and also overall just hanging out as a group. I think it’s a great way to bond.” The unique trip offers a chance for team building beyond the ice, which is something head coach Rod Brind’Amour cherishes from his own experiences from over 15 years ago.

Brind’Amour reminisced about his past trip to Finland, recalling it as a memorable experience that fostered team unity. “We went over there how many years ago now, I mean it’s been a while, but it’s a great memory and that’s what it is. An opportunity to make memories,” he shared. The excitement of this upcoming journey resonates deeply with Aho, who recalls attending a Hurricanes game in Finland as a 13-year-old, marking one of his first encounters with the NHL. “Back then, I had no clue I was gonna play in the NHL or for the Canes, so it’s a pretty funny coincidence there,” Aho reflected, acknowledging how his early experiences shaped his passion for the sport.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.