For the eighth consecutive time, Finland has been ranked the happiest country in the world, according to the World Happiness Report published in the spring. In reality, this can mean many different things, but in this article, I reflect on happiness from the perspective of ice hockey.

The day before yesterday, I took part in an ice hockey match where we, as employees from the construction industry, played against Finnish Members of Parliament (MPs). In Finland, the Parliament (Eduskunta) is the body that exercises the state's legislative and budgetary power, and it consists of 200 MPs. Every four years, Finns vote for their own representatives to the Parliament.

Because the Parliament is composed of "ordinary Finns," many MPs have also played ice hockey. There are also other athletes among them. Politics related to ice hockey is an important part of Finnish society and holds significant political value, even in smaller towns and municipalities. Since ice hockey is the most popular sport in Finland, its importance as a social and cultural phenomenon has always been great.

Construction Industry (RT Infra) vs. Parliament

There is a dedicated sports section within the Parliament. In practice, this means that the MPs practice various sports together. They play football, ice hockey, Finnish baseball (pesäpallo), and many other sports.

Two days ago, I had the chance to take part in a game between construction industry representatives (RT Infra) and Members of Parliament. In addition to the MPs, other state officials played on their team. I recognized at least ten MPs, and many of them had a background in ice hockey. For example, defenseman Ville Skinnari played in the Liiga (Finland's top league) in the early 90s. As a Member of Parliament, Skinnari served as Finland’s Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade from 2019 to 2023.

We won the match with a score of 9-3. Our team was a bit younger and more agile. Additionally, we had three balanced lines, which allowed us to maintain pressure in the opponent's end. The match was played at the legendary Helsinki Ice Hall (Helsingin Jäähalli), which was built in 1966. It is the second-oldest ice hall in Finland. Every Finnish hockey player knows that arena and has played there.

IFK Helsinki also plays at the same ice hall. The arrangements for our match worked well; we were allowed to use their locker rooms and jerseys. They also provided the meals and prizes. The best player from both teams received a ladle (löylykauha) as a prize, which was made from broken hockey sticks. This ladle idea is brilliant and should be brought to the NHL as well! As a fan, you have the chance to choose your favorite player’s stick and have it turned into a sauna ladle.

We stayed with the MPs to watch the Liiga match between IFK Helsinki and HPK Hämeenlinna. The game ended in a win for HPK, continuing IFK's rough start to the season. Head coach Olli Jokinen will have a lot to think about as they try to turn things around. 

The whole event and that evening perfectly reflected why Finland is considered the happiest country in the world. Here, everyone has a fair chance to rise to the top — even to become a Member of Parliament — without being born into a specific family or background. Free education and equality ensure that every voice can be heard and people can influence their surroundings without needing money or power. Add to that our clean nature and strong healthcare system, and Finland truly is one of the best places to live.

And if you get to play ice hockey in good company, well, that's happy too!

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IFK:lla on ollut vähän hankala alkukausi. Pelaajatarkkailua on laajennettu myös erilaisiin höntsäpeleihin. Tänään annoimme näyttöjä RT Infran ja Eduskunnan urheilukerhon välisessä ottelussa. Kiitos… | Valtteri Karjula IFK:lla on ollut vähän hankala alkukausi. Pelaajatarkkailua on laajennettu myös erilaisiin höntsäpeleihin. Tänään annoimme näyttöjä RT Infran ja Eduskunnan urheilukerhon välisessä ottelussa. Kiitos Jyrille ja Infran jengille kutsusta! 💯