Ice hockey summer camp in Vantaa draws children from Mexico and the US
Wednesday 22nd July 2026 on 19:15 in
Finland
A summer ice hockey camp in Vantaa’s Myyrmäki district has drawn nearly 230 junior players from 50 clubs, including participants traveling from Mexico and the United States.
The Mikko Rantanen Hockey Academy, now in its eighth year, offers a six-year program for children who play ice hockey. Each age group accepts 30 skaters and four goaltenders. While most participants return annually, no prior skill level is required—only enthusiasm for the sport and physical activity.
Founder Jukka Lohva said the camp has hosted players from France, Germany, Switzerland, Mexico and New York. “It’s amazing to see how the boys get into it even when they don’t share a common language,” he said.
Colorado Avalanche alumnus Mikko Rantanen, who plays for the Dallas Stars, began attending summer camps as a child in the Turku region. “I wanted to give something back,” he said. Rantanen hopes the week leaves participants with a positive memory. “I want them to feel that this was one of the best weeks of their summer.”
Nine-year-old Niko Mattila Nuñez, who lives in Mexico City with a Finnish father and Mexican mother, has played hockey in his hometown for two years. He first dreamed of attending the camp after watching Rantanen play for the Dallas Stars against the Utah team. “The team lost, but I liked the way he skated,” Mattila Nuñez said. “This camp and meeting Mikko Rantanen have fulfilled my dream.”
Twelve-year-old Jay Shaw from Connecticut is attending the camp for the second time. Though his family has no ties to Finland, Rantanen is his favorite player. Shaw said he became interested in hockey at age two while watching his father’s favorite team, the Colorado Avalanche.
The camp combines on-ice training with off-ice activities such as basketball, football and floorball. Shaw said the most valuable lesson has been communication skills. “Even when I don’t always understand others and they don’t understand me, I’ve learned to communicate anyway.”
The program concludes on Friday. Shaw said he hopes to return next summer.