The National Hockey League (NHL), the National Hockey League Players’ Association, and Live Nation announced on Mar. 23 that the Carolina Hurricanes will face the Seattle Kraken in two regular-season games at Veikkaus Arena in Helsinki, Finland, on Nov. 12 and Nov. 14 as part of the 2026 NHL Global Series Finland.
The event is significant for European hockey fans, offering them a rare chance to watch live NHL action outside North America. The series continues the league’s tradition of bringing regular-season games overseas, marking its thirteenth season and fifth consecutive campaign hosting such events in Europe.
Game one is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. EET (12 p.m. ET), with game two following on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 8 p.m. EET (1 p.m. ET). Tickets will be available starting Tuesday, March 31 at 10 a.m. EET (4 a.m. ET). Fans can sign up for information about Canes Fan Tour packages that include airfare, accommodations, tickets, tours, and optional excursions.
Veikkaus Arena has previously hosted seven NHL regular-season games since its time as Hartwall Arena. The Hurricanes are returning to Finland for only their second set of regular-season games outside North America; their first trip was during the 2010 Premiere Series where they defeated the Minnesota Wild twice at Hartwall Arena.
Two current Hurricanes players will return to their home country during this series: Sebastian Aho from Rauma and Jesperi Kotkaniemi from Pori are both Finnish-born forwards who currently lead their team in points and assists.
The Carolina Hurricanes have a notable history recognized by several Hall of Fame inductees such as Eric Staal and Rod Brind’Amour according to the official website. The franchise achieved a major milestone by winning the Stanley Cup in 2006 according to the official website.
At home in Raleigh’s Lenovo Center—a venue spanning over 700,000 square feet with multiple seating levels—the team contributes more than $200 million annually to the local economy through events and community engagement according to the official website. The arena accommodates up to 20,000 people and hosts more than 150 events each year according to the official website.
Additional details about broadcast arrangements for these international matchups will be released later.
