Family | Teemu Selänne: Veera Thinks She's Always Right, and It Annoys Me

Ice hockey legend Teemu Selänne and his 18-year-old daughter, Veera Selänne, share a unique bond that shifts dynamics when they step onto the sports field together. Veera explains that their relationship in sports is less father-daughter and more akin to a friendship or a coach-athlete dynamic. This past spring, Veera concluded her dedicated tennis career, pivoting to the sport of pickleball, a game she was already familiar with from her time in the United States. By February, she was playing more frequently, and by April, she entered her first tournament.

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I feel like we don't really have a father-daughter relationship when it comes to sports. It's more like a friendship or a coach and athlete.

Veera's transition to pickleball has been remarkably successful. She secured two silver medals at the outdoor national championships in Iisalmi, reaching the finals in both the women's singles and mixed doubles categories. This success was highlighted during a joint interview at a Social Sports Club event in Helsinki, where Teemu Selänne is a co-owner. Before the interview, the father-daughter duo engaged in a pickleball exhibition match.

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It sparks very often. Veera is very strong-willed and always thinks she's right. It's the most annoying thing in the world.

While their shared sporting activities have long been a cornerstone of their relationship, it's not always without friction. "It's hard work. We play together, and sometimes we argue a bit, but I feel like it just brings us closer," Veera shared. Teemu confirmed these sparks, humorously stating, "It sparks very often. Veera is very strong-willed and always thinks she's right. It's the most annoying thing in the world." However, he quickly added that this stubbornness is a welcome trait for a competitive athlete, praising her dedication and passion for the sport.

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She has a lot of passion, she wants to work, and she dreams a lot. Those often come true.

Teemu believes Veera has the potential to go far in pickleball, noting her intense passion, work ethic, and strong dreams. Beyond sports, the Selänne family's summer in Finland has included quality time with friends and family. Veera's American boyfriend, Jameson, also experienced the Finnish summer and is considering a return for Christmas and a longer visit next summer. Teemu spoke warmly of Jameson, describing him as a "really nice, honest, positive, energetic athlete. Almost like our own son."

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Jameson is really nice. An honest, positive, energetic athlete. Almost like our own son. A really nice guy.