Connected by ice

Espoo is home to many communities where people are united by working together and a common interest. A sense of community in your hometown makes it stronger.
A local identity is created by people and is present in all communities. This is why the City of Espoo cooperates with several organisations to strengthen the city community.

One of the partners is Kiekko-Espoo, whose entry into the Finnish Hockey League (SM-liiga) has breathed new life into the community and encouraged many new people to join the community.

“Working together and a community spirit are definitely the most important aspects of our cooperation,” says the City of Espoo’s Event Director Lea Rintala.

The Espoo spirit is visible and tangible in interactions and arises from the experience of being part of a community. Strengthening the community spirit is also one of Kiekko-Espoo’s core missions.

Various match events offer a place where people can meet, spend time together and share their passion – whether they are players, spectators or part of the team’s support staff.

“Together with the old groups and new supporters, we are building an Espoo identity that is stronger than ever,” says Henri Sneck, CEO of Kiekko-Espoo.

He emphasises that Kiekko-Espoo is not just the men’s team competing in the Finnish Hockey League.

The women’s team, Kiekko-Espoo naiset, has been Finland’s most successful team in women’s ice hockey in the 2000s. In addition, Kiekko-Espoo has lots of girls and boys playing ice hockey and ringette in different age groups.

“We represent Espoo and promote a sense of community in Espoo. People get together at our games, and we offer more than 3,000 children and young people in Espoo opportunities to exercise.”

The city’s identity and a sense of community are also promoted through theme games, such as family and club days.

“Kiekko-Espoo’s values – ‘do it right, do it together, do it with heart’ – also fit perfectly with the City of Espoo’s values, such as responsibility and working together,” says Rintala.

Espoo as a meeting place 

“Kiekko-Espoo’s entry into the Finnish Hockey League has been a boon for the city,” says Rintala.

The league is one of the most watched sports series in Finland and brings Espoo residents together to share experiences around the game. The City of Espoo also gains plenty of visibility as one of Kiekko-Espoo’s partners.

“Espoo can be seen at the Espoo Metro Areena, on the jerseys and player cards. The city is also visible in the media, since ice hockey is one of the most watched sports both nationally and internationally.”

Rintala points out that community spirit is created by all of us: it is the desire to meet and communicate. Training sessions or the stands by a sports field can make for good places for people to get together.

“Sports create emotional imprints and a sense of belonging, just like encounters around culture and art.”

Text: Susanna Cygnel.

This article was originally published in the Espoo-lehti magazine 1/2025. Read other articles in the Espoo-lehti.

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