NHL Global Series 2026 is finally here – Hurricanes and Kraken to clash at Nokia Arena

The wait is finally over. When the clock strikes early October, Helsinki's Nokia Arena won't just be Europe's finest ice hockey venue – it will be the centre of the hockey universe. The NHL Global Series 2026 is landing on the shores of Töölönlahti Bay, and it's bringing two teams ready to tear up the ice: the Carolina Hurricanes and the Seattle Kraken.

I've been following this series ever since the rumours started swirling during last season's playoffs. A lot of people asked whether Helsinki still has what it takes to host an NHL-level event. I always have to laugh at that. This city was passionate about hockey back when many of today's North American teams were just a vague idea over a few beers. The atmosphere at Nokia Arena is something else, and now we're bringing in two hungry teams who are both ready to make their mark.

Why these two teams?

The Carolina Hurricanes are bringing that fast, physical, and smart brand of hockey to Helsinki – the style they've been perfecting for years. They were on the cover of NHL 23, and for many of us, they're the team we've used to win a virtual Stanley Cup in the living room. And now they're here for real. In the opposite corner, you've got the Seattle Kraken, an expansion team that's already built a reputation as one of the most feared road teams in the league.

Long-time fans will remember what it was like the last time the NHL came to town. But this time is different. It's not just about a series of away games – it's about us Finns showing what a real hockey nation looks like. And trust me, it's not the same as playing EA Sports NHL 26 Xbox Series X with your mates. This is something much, much bigger.

• Where dreams meet reality: Those moves you've perfected in NHL 22 or NHL 23? You'll see them live, right up close.
• The arena is ready: Nokia Arena was built for moments like this. The acoustics, the lights, the vibe – this is the NHL's home rink in Europe.
• A sense of history: Even though this is about the future, nights like this remind you why we love this sport. Just like those times you played Lego Star Wars: The Force Awakens with your sister, these are moments you'll remember forever. Only this time, the battle on the ice is real.

How to experience it best?

Tickets are going to be a battle. If you think you can just rock up and walk in, you're living in the past. This is the event people will be talking about for years. My advice: make a night of it. Before the game, the city's bars and restaurants will be packed with Hurricanes and Kraken fans who've travelled from the other side of the world. They have no idea what it's like to face a Finnish hockey crowd at full throttle. They think they know, but they're wrong.

I'll be at the arena nice and early. I want to hear what it sounds like when the puck drops for the first time. It's a sound no video game, no matter how realistic, can ever replicate. It's raw, it's authentic, and it's happening right here on our doorstep.

If you can't make it in person, no worries. But make no mistake, this is the moment the eyes of Finnish hockey fans will be fixed firmly on our home rink. Nokia Arena's name will be in the spotlight, and once again, we get to show that we are the undisputed number one in Northern Europe when it comes to hosting major hockey events. Not to mention, these two games might just be the stage where the next Finnish NHL star gets their first taste of going up against the league's biggest names.

So, mark October in your calendar. If you've ever dreamed of seeing the NHL live, this is your moment. This is no exhibition tour. The Hurricanes and the Kraken are coming here to win, and we'll be there for every second of it.