Playoff jackets unite hockey players’ families in Finnish league stands

Families of Finnish SM-liiga players and coaches have adopted a new tradition of wearing custom playoff jackets during the postseason, reports Yle.

In Kouvola’s ice rink, the stands are now filled with supporters donning matching jackets as KooKoo faces Lahti Pelicans in the quarter-finals. The trend, inspired by North American hockey culture, has brought a stronger sense of community among players’ spouses and children.

Mimmi Gröndahl, wife of KooKoo player Ari Gröndahl, explained that the jackets foster unity. “Before, we mostly wore game jerseys for important matches, but this custom has come over from North America,” she said. Zsofia Galló, partner of Hungarian player Vilmos Galló, added that the jackets were a way to celebrate the team’s strong regular season.

The jackets, often personalized with players’ names and numbers, were first popularized in the NHL in 2017 when Washington Capitals players’ partners wore them during the playoffs. Known as “WAG jackets” (wives and girlfriends) in North America, they have since spread to Finland under the name playoff-takit.

While traditionally fans wore jerseys, the jackets offer a stylish alternative. Gröndahl noted that many supporters appreciate the tailored fit, unlike oversized game jerseys. “I think these jackets are the future for fans who care about how they dress,” she said.

For now, the jackets are reserved for game days—though some hope they’ll see use in championship celebrations. “We’ll probably only wear them at the rink,” said Miia Mansanthia, partner of KooKoo forward Akseli Mäkinen. “Unless we win the title, of course.”