A Taste of Victory: Hämeenaho's Journey to NHL Success

Finland's Lenni Hämeenaho returned to the New Jersey Devils after winning the gold medal with his country in the 2026 IIHF World Championship, hungrier than ever for success.

The moment of triumph was etched in Hämeenaho's memory forever – Finland's championship win, a blur of speed and skill on the ice, with the entire nation erupting in celebration.

Growing up, Hämeenaho was a late-night hockey fan, often watching NHL games long after most of his peers had slept. But it was the World Championship that became the highlight of his hockey calendar, with games broadcast in the afternoon or evening, making it more accessible to young fans.

For Hämeenaho, the World Championship was a testament to the enduring passion of Finnish hockey fans, who tuned in despite the late-night NHL schedule. 'Every Finnish person, regardless of whether they're a hockey fan or not, watches those games,' he said. 'That's maybe the biggest reason the World Championship is so big for our country.'

With the return of Aleksander Barkov and the addition of Anton Lundell, Hämeenaho believed Finland had the perfect mix to make a championship run. It was a prophecy that soon became a reality.

The pivotal moment came when Konsta Helenius's overtime winner sealed the deal, with Hämeenaho still trying to put the experience into words. 'It's just one of those things that you can't really explain,' he said. 'I didn't see the puck go in, but I saw my teammates rush the ice, and I followed them, screaming with joy.'

Despite the excitement, Hämeenaho vividly remembered the electric atmosphere inside the arena, where the Swiss crowd was backing their home team. 'I've never heard a louder rink than that,' he said. 'It was like the whole place was waiting for a release.'

After the on-ice celebration, Hämeenaho took a moment to cherish the title in Finland's locker room, where each player got to hold the trophy and bask in the glory. It was a moment he'd never forget.

With the championship, Hämeenaho gained his first taste of winning at the highest level, an experience that would change him forever. 'This was my first experience winning,' he said. 'Now, I want it every year.'

Now back in New Jersey, Hämeenaho is hungrier than ever for success, determined to bring the championship feeling to the Devils. 'It makes my training better,' he said. 'I'll be more hungry for next season.'

Ahead of the new season, Hämeenaho is focused on building on his experience from the World Championship and his time with the Devils. With the lessons he learned and the hunger for success, he's ready to take on the challenge.