Ice Hockey: Julius Miettinen left for the United States at 17; now misses Helsinki's public transport
Translated from Finnish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Julius Miettinen, who lived in Helsinki his entire life, moved to North America at age 17 to pursue his junior ice hockey dream.
- Now 20, Miettinen is the top center for the Everett Silvertips in Washington state, near the Canadian border.
- Despite his success in the U.S., Miettinen admits he misses the public transportation system of his hometown, Helsinki.
Julius Miettinen, who spent his entire life in Helsinki, embarked on a journey across the Atlantic at the age of 17, chasing his professional ice hockey aspirations in North America. Now 20 years old, Miettinen has established himself as the premier center for the Everett Silvertips, a team based in Everett, Washington, a city situated close to the Canadian border.
Before venturing into the world of junior hockey, Miettinen was a lifelong resident of Helsinki, familiar with neighborhoods like Meilahti and Munkkivuoori. His transition to playing in the United States marked a significant departure from his familiar surroundings.
Despite finding success on the ice in his new environment, Miettinen confesses to a particular longing for his former home. He specifically misses the public transportation system of Helsinki, a testament to the comforts and conveniences of the city he grew up in. This sentiment highlights the personal adjustments and lingering connections that come with pursuing athletic dreams abroad.
Originally published by Helsingin Sanomat in Finnish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.