Selänne was the unofficial face of Kotka Maritime Festival for years

Hockey legend Teemu Selänne became a fixture at Kotka Maritime Festival, drawing crowds and media attention each summer he attended, reports Yle.

Though never bound by an official sponsorship deal, Selänne’s regular appearances—often arriving by his luxury yacht Lucky Eight—turned into a cultural touchstone. His presence was so anticipated that festivalgoers tracked his boat’s whereabouts, and photos with the star became a prized souvenir. For many, spotting Selänne was the highlight of the event.

His visits, consistently reported between 2012 and 2017, made him synonymous with the festival. Even after he skipped the 2018 edition—opting for Kuopiorock with friend Kimmo Timonen—and sold his yacht, social media users still joke each year about whether his boat has been sighted.

Tiina Salonen, the festival’s former producer from 2015 to 2024, said the connection formed naturally. Selänne enjoyed the event, frequently mentioning it in interviews about his summer plans, which in turn boosted the festival’s profile.

“He was a selfie magnet—people wanted to meet him,” Salonen said. His popularity came with challenges: Selänne required special arrangements, like dedicated routes and entrances, to navigate the crowds and enjoy concerts without constant interruptions.

Yle was unable to reach Selänne for comment on his festival memories.