Finland's ice hockey champs receive heroes' welcome

A national celebration is set to take place in Helsinki on Monday evening, at an event featuring the champion team as well as several musical acts.

A white passenger jet receiving a water salute from two yellow fire trucks on an airport runway. — The team's plane also received a water salute after landing at Helsinki Airport on Monday afteroon. Image: Mikko Stig / Lehtikuva

Yle News

1.6. 16:25

Fresh from their world championship victory the night before, Finland's men's hockey team returned home on Monday afternoon.

The Lions won the men's ice hockey world championship on Sunday, with a 1-0 win against tournament hosts Switzerland in the final in Zurich.

The team's plane received a fighter jet escort before landing at Helsinki Airport at around 3pm on Monday.

Speaking with newspaper Iltalehti, Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen (NCP) confirmed that the team's flight was escorted by Hornet fighters.

Sunday's win marked Finland's fifth championship title. They previously reached those heights in 1995, 2011, 2019 and 2022.

A group of ice hockey players in white and blue uniforms celebrating in a huddle at the side of an ice rink. — Members of Team Finland celebrate with teammate Konsta Helenius after the second goal in overtime and victory during the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Switzerland Gold medal game between Switzerland and Finland Image: Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images

Finns are known to celebrate these kinds of victories with enthusiasm, and Sunday night was no different. Many fans were seen at city squares across the country to mark the win.

A young woman sits on a man's shoulders, next to two other men. Many people are in the background. — Fans in Tampere took to the streets after Team Finland won the game on Monday night. Image: Sanni Isomäki / Yle

A national celebration is set to take place in Helsinki on Monday evening, at an event next to the Olympic Stadium in the city's Töölö district. Gates are to open to the public at 4:30pm, while the event is scheduled to begin at 6pm.

The ice hockey champions are set to take the stage at 7:30pm.

A red tractor next to a stack of black PA speakers in paved area by the Olympic Stadium. — Preparations for Monday evening's celebration were underway during the day. Image: Mikko Stig / Lehtikuva

The celebration will also feature performances by musical artists including Linda Lampenius, Pete Parkkonen, Käärijä, Nelli Matula, Raptori, JVG & Haloo Helsinki, Samuell, Ellinoora, Arttu Wiskari and Vesala.