Foreign Tongues, Long Last Names, and Close to the Arctic Circle: Swedes & Finns in the NHL

Hockey is often called 'Canada's game'. More players in the NHL come from Canada than any other nation. That being said, many players come from the USA, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Russia, Sweden, & Finland. Many talented players from both of these countries currently populate NHL rosters and that was also true as well in the past. Let's test your knowledge of these nordic pucksters!

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Dave Morrissey

Dave is an accomplished economics instructor with over two decades of experience in the prestigious International Baccalaureate program. His students have consistently ranked in the top 10% annually, and one year they achieved the highest overall class average in the world. This outstanding achievement led a UK publisher to request that he write a textbook, an offer he declined in favor of creating sports quizzes, which he found more engaging.

In addition to his teaching career, Dave is also a former high school football coach, having won a couple of local championships. While he wishes he had won more, he continues to be deeply involved in football as a scout, recruiter, and social media creator for a university football team.

Dave's passions extend beyond the classroom and football field. He is an avid fan of live music and international travel, often combining these interests. He has traveled to Spain, England, Iceland, and Chile to see bands perform. His greatest pride and joy is his daughter, who has recently excelled in powerlifting. In just a few years, she has become the Canadian record holder for the bench press in her weight class and finished second overall in the combined national event (bench, deadlift, and squat) in Moose Jaw in March 2024. She will be representing Canada at the World Bench Competition in Austin, Texas, in May 2024.

A die-hard fan of the Las Vegas Raiders, Dave has experienced his share of sports heartache, having seen them play in seven NFL cities with six losses. His all-time favorite athlete is Don Mattingly, reflecting his deep love for sports that spans many arenas.

What number did legendary Swede defenseman Borje Salming wear for Toronto?

What Finnish player had the most career points?

11 of the top 12 single season point totals by a Finnish player were by Jari Kurri or Teemu Selanne. Who is the only other to crack the Top 12?

Which Swede had the most career penalty minutes (by far)?

14 of the top 15 single season goal totals by a Finnish player were by Jari Kurri or Teemu Selanne. Who is the only other to crack the Top 15?

Which of these Finns scored 73 points playing defense for the New York Rangers in the 1984-85 season?

Who was the 1st Swedish-born player to play in the NHL?

What Swede scored 85 goals over 2 seasons for Montreal in the mid 1980s?

Which Swedish player has the most points in the NHL this season?

What Finnish player scored the most goals last season?

Three Swedes have recorded 7 point games in the NHL. Who did NOT do that?

Who is the only Swede to ever score 50 or more goals in a single season?

Which Swedish player had the most points in the NHL last season?

6 Swedes had over 1000 career points. Who is NOT one of them?

What Swede ranks 1st in career goals and points?

Who was the 1st Finnish Head Coach in the NHL?

What Swede ranks 1st in career assists?

In terms of most games played in a season by a Finnish goalie, which one has 7 of the top 10 totals?

Who was the 1st Finnish goalie to play in the NHL?

What Finnish player has the most points this season in the NHL so far?

What Finnish defenseman has the most career points?

What Finnnish goalie has the most all time wins?

What Swedish goalie died in a car crash during his 5th NHL season in the mid 1980s?

After Henrik Lundqvist, what Swedish goalie ranks 2nd all time in wins and shutouts?

Who is the only Swede to score 45 or more goals in a single season twice?

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