Dallas Stars tackle fiery wing challenge at Hook restaurant in Tampere

Despite being accustomed to high-pressure situations, NHL players found a particular challenge hard to overcome during their visit to a restaurant in Tampere. The Dallas Stars team, preparing for weekend matches, dined at Hook restaurant, where players faced a fiery wing challenge featuring Naga Morich sauce—one of the world’s hottest chilies.

Encouraged by the restaurant’s director, Rebecca Vuorio, forwards Logan Stankoven and Wyatt Johnston accepted the challenge, attempting to eat just one wing each. Johnston struggled with his singe wing, and when asked about the taste afterward, he quipped, “The best,” with a sarcastic tone. Stankoven also found the experience intense, exclaiming, “Yep, I’m starting to sweat already. Whew…”

The visit demanded special arrangements due to the presence of high-profile guests. The restaurant set up an exclusive kitchen on the upper floor and allocated additional staff, five of whom served only the special guests. In anticipation of potential digestive distress from the spicy wings, the players opted for milk afterward.

Notably, some staff were aware of a unsaid hierarchy within the NHL, which they speculated might prevent players and team members from mingling freely. However, it was reported that by the end of the night, they were socializing as friends.

The Dallas Stars chose Hook for dinner at the request of Finnish forward Roope Hintz, who has been a long-time patron of the restaurant.

In addition to its current 11 locations in Finland, Hook plans to expand to Fuengirola, Spain, by late December or early January, while a Dubai location is on hold for now as they focus on establishing operations in Spain.

The Dallas Stars will face the Florida Panthers on Friday and Saturday in Tampere as part of the Global Series.