Porin Ässät advances to hockey league semi-finals with major financial boost

The Porin Ässät ice hockey team has secured a spot in the Finnish Liiga’s semi-finals, bringing significant economic benefits to the club, according to CEO Sami Hautamäki in comments to Yle.

“Reaching the semi-finals has enormous financial importance for us,” Hautamäki said. At this stage, home game revenues—potentially exceeding €100,000 per match with strong merchandise sales—still go to the hosting team. From the finals onward, proceeds are distributed among the league’s top eight teams, with the champion receiving the largest share.

The team will host at least two semi-final games in Pori, though weekday matchups (Tuesday and Monday) may limit alcohol sales compared to weekend fixtures. Despite this, the financial impact remains substantial.

Ässät’s decisive 4–1 series win over Kiekko-Espoo surprised many analysts, who had favored the Espoo-based team before the final game. The Porin squad dominated early, leading 3–0 within seven minutes of the first period. Fans like Seppo Haapala noted skepticism before the match: “Not many believed in Ässät for this fifth game. Maybe that doubt will fuel them now.”

Supporters, including those from neighboring Ulvila, have rallied behind the team, with flags displayed across the city. “I don’t know if the Patalippu [team flag] will fly at Ulvila’s town hall, but local businesses are already showing their support,” said Jarmo Viklund of Ulvila.

Ässät travels to Lappeenranta on Friday for the first semi-final game against SaiPa on Saturday. Fan Salme Peltola, a longtime supporter since the team’s 1967 founding, reflected: “It’s been a fight every game. We hope they go all the way.”

The team’s success has revived local enthusiasm, with the Isomäki Arena’s passionate crowd often cited as one of the league’s best home atmospheres—though past struggles have also drawn criticism, including a former coach’s remark that “even the squirrels in Katinkulla Forest were jeering” during losing streaks.