Finnish fans flock to Helsinki for World Championship hockey final

Helsinki's Vallila district buzzed with anticipation as numerous "Leijona" (Lion) fans, clad in national team jerseys, converged at the Konepaja Biergarten to watch the ice hockey World Championship final. Supporters like Aada Kujala, Miki Savolainen, and Matias Hormu traveled from Mäntsälä, a nearby town, specifically to soak in the "hockey fever."

"If Finland wins, we'll go to the market square," Kujala stated, explaining their journey to the capital. Regardless of the game's outcome, the Havis Amanda statue, affectionately known as "Manta," was prepared for potential public celebrations. The 120-year-old monument had already been protected with plywood walls and fencing around its fountain since Friday, anticipating weekend festivities.

Fans like Niilo Takkunen and Vera Tuomaala watched intently, their brows furrowed during a penalty against Finland. Tiia Hirn, Niina Järnstedt, and Jani Yrjölä cheered for a goal that was later disallowed after video review. Other attendees included Albin and Frans-Peter Eberhardt, Helsinki residents Senja Mäkiaho and Aino Parkkonen playing cards while waiting, Sara Aarros anxiously watching a penalty kill, and Kari Rinkinen who arrived from Kerava with his wife, hoping to share in the collective euphoria on a terrace.

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If Finland wins, we'll go to the market square.