Rauma ice rink omits traditional anthem before local hockey matches

The traditional regional anthem will not be played at Rauma’s ice rink before the local hockey league match between Rauman Lukko and Porin Ässät this season. For many years, it was customary for teams to gather in the dimly lit arena with the audience to listen to the Satakunta anthem before the match for regional supremacy began. However, last season, Lukko decided to discontinue this tradition.

The exclusion of the anthem led to mixed reactions from fans. Critics pointed to the lyrics which mention themes of resistance: “Because the farming of Finland is threatened by the night of oppression, here people’s work will drive out destruction. The people of Satakunta rise, with their former strength, bear’s paw strikes!” Ässät supporters, in particular, sing along loudly during the line about the bear’s paw.

Lukko explained its decision, stating that some fans felt the lyrics were too closely associated with Pori, giving Ässät a psychological edge from the outset. Feedback has been received from both clubs regarding this decision.

This season’s first local matches will take place this weekend, with Ässät facing Lukko in Pori on Friday and in Rauma on Saturday. On the matter of the anthem’s absence, Lukko’s Event and Development Manager, Sasu Eronen, noted that the decision was based on community feedback, hinting there might be a reevaluation if there is a strong demand for its return.

In contrast, Pori’s presentation of the anthem has been positively received, viewed as a ceremonial start that emphasizes the importance of the local matches. Pori’s match show has been revamped this season, with the anthem included for Lukko games, while more unique elements will be reserved for the upcoming outdoor Talviklassikko event in January. This weekend’s local match theme in Rauma will be a blue and yellow arena, with a predicted sell-out in both venues, with capacities of 6,000 in Pori and 4,500 in Rauma.