NHL Global Series 2026 is Finally Here – Hurricanes and Kraken Clash at Nokia Arena

The wait is finally over. When the clock strikes in early October, Helsinki's Nokia Arena won't just be Europe's finest ice hockey venue – it will be the epicentre of the entire hockey world. The NHL Global Series 2026 lands in Töölönlahti, bringing with it 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 if Helsinki still had what it takes to host an NHL-level event. I always laugh at that question. We've been passionate about hockey here since before many current North American teams were even a twinkle in someone's eye over a beer. The atmosphere at Nokia Arena is something else, and now they're bringing in two hungry teams, both with something to prove.

Why These Two Teams?

The Carolina Hurricanes are bringing their brand of fast, physical, and smart hockey to Helsinki – a style they've been perfecting for years. They graced the cover of NHL 23, and for many of us, they've been the team we've used to win virtual Stanley Cups from our living rooms. And now, they're here for real. In the opposite corner stands the Seattle Kraken, an expansion team that has quickly built a reputation as one of the most formidable road teams in the league.

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

• Dreams Become Reality: The moves you've perfected in NHL 22 or NHL 23? Now you'll see them live, just a few feet away.
• 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 Touch of History: Even though this is about the future, nights like these remind us why we fell in love with the game. Just like those times playing Lego Star Wars: The Force Awakens with your sibling, these are moments you'll remember forever. Except this one is the real battle on the ice.

How to Experience It Best?

Getting tickets is going to be a battle. If you think you can just walk up to the door, you're living in the past. This is the kind of event people will be talking about for years. My advice is to go all out. Before the game, the city's restaurants will be packed with fans from Carolina and Seattle who've travelled halfway across the world. They have no idea what it's like to experience a Finnish hockey crowd in full force. They think they know, but they're wrong.

I plan to be at the arena 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 real, and it's happening right here in our own backyard.

If you can't make it in person, don't worry. This will still be the moment when the eyes of the hockey world turn towards our home rink. Nokia Arena will be in the spotlight, giving us yet another chance to show that we are the undisputed number one destination in Northern Europe for major hockey events. Not to mention, these two games might just be the stage where Finland's next NHL star gets their first real taste of the big league.

So, mark your calendars for October. If you've ever dreamt of seeing the NHL live, this is your moment. This isn't some exhibition tour. The Hurricanes and Kraken are coming here to win, and we'll be there for every second of it.