Save Pond Hockey Ambassadors

Our Ambassadors support urgent climate action to #SavePondHockey for future generations.

SEAN
BERGENHEIM

Photo: Marko Seuranen Photography

• IIHF WC Silver & 2X Bronze Medalist
• IIHF WJC 3X Bronze Medalist
• Liiga Champion
• Champions League Champion

“I’d like to see us all be teammates in this matter.”

CURTIS
GLENCROSS

• NHL Alumni

NIKLAS
HAGMAN

Photo: Marko Seuranen Photography

• Olympic Silver & Bronze Medalist
• IIHF WJC Gold Medalist
• Liiga Champion
• Finnish Hockey Hall of Famer #257

“I want to leave a better world for my children. The time to act is now.”

VENLA
HOVI

Photo: Venla Hovi

• Olympic 2X Bronze Medalist
• IIHF WC Silver & 3X Bronze Medalist
• CWHL Champion

“I started playing hockey outdoors and spent most of my free time playing at an outdoor rink that was really close to my home. All my best memories are from that rink and I remember never wanting to leave — my mom had to carry me home most nights. I wanted to join SPH, because it’s really sad to notice how due to climate change winters are getting warmer and kids don’t get to experience the joy of playing outdoors. I believe that small individual choices can make a big difference in this battle if we get everyone involved. Hockey is all about frozen lakes, ponds and rinks that are open for everyone.”

MARIANNE
IHALAINEN

Photo: Mikko Hallikainen

• Women’s Liiga Alumni
• Olympic Bronze Medalist
• IIHF WC 5X Bronze Medalist
• European Championship 4X Gold Medalist & 1X Bronze Medalist
• Women’s Liiga 8X Champion
• Finnish Hockey Hall of Famer #187

“When I was a kid and fall brought the first snowflakes, we started to play hockey every night on a street next to my house.
We also played on outdoor rinks and on frozen lakes, if possible, and all those games were so much fun. One of the best memories I’ve ever had. Later I joined a women’s hockey team and played pretty successfully for a few years. When I was asked to join the Save Pond Hockey team, there was no question to answer anything but yes. I so much hope the future kids around the world would have the same chance as I had: To play and enjoy the sports they love!”

JARMO
KEKÄLÄINEN

Photo: Jason Mowry

• NHL & Liiga Alumni
• First European GM in NHL history
• Finnish Hockey Hall of Famer #279

“Outdoors and pond hockey. That’s where I found my passion to the game, and it’s still carrying me. I strongly advise all of you, especially those aiming to or starting your hockey career, to find the pure joy of pond hockey. You’ll get a feeling that could carry you your whole life, too.”

JARI
KURRI

Photo: Marko Seuranen Photography

• NHL 5X Stanley Cup Champion
• NHL Maurice Richard Trophy Winner
• NHL Lady Byng Trophy Winner
• Olympic Bronze Medalist
• Hockey Hall of Famer
• Finnish Hockey Hall of Famer #113

TOMMI
KOVANEN

Photo: Tommi Kovanen

• Liiga Champion
• Mestis Champion
• Award-winning Author

“I spent my childhood on outdoor ice. Now, it’s our responsibility to act and make sure that the next generations are able to do the same.”

LASSE
KUKKONEN

Photo: Lasse Kukkonen

• Olympic Silver & 2X Bronze Medalist
• IIHF WC Gold, 2X Silver, & Bronze Medalist
• IIHF WJC Silver Medalist
• Liiga 4X Champion

“When I was a kid, I used to play pond hockey all the time. I used to go just outside my house to the rink close by and play with my buddies. What worries me now is, what’s gonna happen for the next generation of hockey players, how are they going to be able to go outside and enjoy skating on the ice? I know for a lot of people climate change is a big and scary thing. But I think we should use the mindset I’ve learned in hockey: together, we can do big things, we can change things, we can beat the big opponent. Instead of fighting against climate change, let’s start by Saving Pond Hockey together!”

JERE
LEHTINEN

Photo: Marko Seuranen Photography

• NHL Stanley Cup Champion
• NHL 3X Selke Trophy Winner
• Olympics 1X Silver & 3X Bronze Medalist
• IIHF WC 1X Gold & 3X SIlver Medalist
• Liiga Champion
• Finnish Hockey Hall of Famer (#207)

VILLE
LEINO

Photo: Ville Leino

• NHL & Liiga Alumni
• Founder of “BilleBeino”

“I’m happy to be part of Save Pond Hockey. Climate change is an important topic and it’s great that it’s on everyones lips now. It’s cool to raise some awareness through hockey as well.”

SIIM
LIIVIK

Photo: Siim Liivik

• Liiga Champion

“I started skating in the Soviet Union with my Aunt’s size 3 figure skates, which were too big. We were always on the lake ice in the winter because it was the only place to skate and play. I moved to Finland and during the winter I visited the natural ice every day from morning to night. Outdoor ice and pond hockey games have been and still are a significant part of life.”

VEIT
MÜHLHANS

• German Parahockey National Team
• 2021 & 2023 World Champion
• Goalie in the making…

“For me, hockey is the coolest sport. Playing outside makes it even better and thi has to be possible also in the future. Therefore, we all need to stick together and act.”

ANTTI-JUSSI
NIEMI

• NHL & Liiga Alumni
• Stanley Cup Champion
• Olympic Silver Medalist
• IIHF WC 3X Silver Medalist & 2X Bronze Medalist
• Liiga Champion
• Finnish Hockey Hall of Famer #242

“Pond hockey is the best. We need to make sure that our children’s children also have the opportunity to play pond hockey. Action is needed.”

SAARA
NIEMI

• Olympic Bronze Medalist
• IIHF WC 3X Bronze Medalist
• NCAA 2X Champion

“I grew up playing pond hockey and fell in love with the sport. Nowadays my favourite hobby is to play outdoors hockey with my son and see the happiness in his face. I am proud to be part of the save pond hockey family. Together we can make the difference to the climate change.”

VILLE
NIEMINEN

Photo: Marko Seuranen Photography

• Stanley Cup Champion
• Olympic Silver Medalist
• IIHF WC Silver Medalist

“Pond hockey is life: outdoors, friends, equality, and the game.”

TEPPO
NUMMINEN

Photo: Marko Seuranen Photography

• Olympic 2X Silver & Bronze Medalist
• IIHF WJC Bronze Medalist
• Liiga 3X Champion
• Finnish Hockey Hall of Famer #202

JUSSI
OLKINUORA

Photo: Jussi Olkinuora

• Olympic Gold Medalist
• IIHF WC 2X Gold & Silver Medalist
• IIHF WC MVP & Best Goaltender
• Champions League Champion

“My earliest and best memories are from outdoor rinks. I want future generations to have the same opportunity to experience pond hockey as I did. Save Pond Hockey is an admirable organization with serious ambitions – I couldn’t be happier to join forces. Together, we can make a difference!”

AMANDA
PELKEY

Photo: Erick W. Rasco

• #16 PWHL Boston
• Olympic Gold Medalist
• IIHF WC 2X Gold Medalist
• IIHF U18 WJC 2X Gold & 1X Silver Medalist
• PHF Isobel Cup Champion

“I’m grateful to be an ambassador for Save Pond Hockey. Many of my memories of hockey started outside on my rink at home. Without those experiences, my love for the game wouldn’t be where it is now. There is nothing better than getting the chance to skate outside in nature. The sound of the blades carving into the ice and the fresh air- nothing beats it. I am joining SPH in hopes to bring more awareness to try and keep these memories alive. Although my individual effort may be small in the bigger picture, our collaborative effort can go a long way. Join the movement to create more pond hockey memories for many more years to come!”

TIMO
PELTOMAA

Photo: Leiman Media

• IIHF WC Silver Medalist
• IIHF WJC Bronze Medalist
• Finnish Hockey Hall of Famer #215

ATTE
PENTIKÄINEN

Photo: Leiman Media

• U20 SM-Liiga Champion
• Liiga Silver & Bronze Medalist

“When I was a kid, the only thing that I was waiting for was clean ice and pond hockey. My whole childhood I spent days with my friends just playing, laughing and having fun at the nearest pond. Nowadays, when I see my own kids having the same feeling when they put their skates on, I’m just feeling happy. Let’s make sure that in the future everyone also has the same opportunity! Stronger together.”

LENNART
PETRELL

Photo: Vesa Pöppönen

• NHL & Liiga Alumni
• U20 Liiga Champion
• Liiga Champion
• Spengler Cup Champion
• Champions Hockey League Champion

ANNINA
RAJAHUHTA

Photo: Arno Hämäläinen

• Naisten Liiga 8X Champion
• Olympic 2X Bronze Medalist
• WC Silver & Bronze Medalist

“I’ve seen a lot of pictures when I was a little two-year old kid with red cheeks and a big smile trying to learn how to skate at outdoors. I’m sure that was the first time a little spark ingnited in my eyes and I started to fall in love with this amazing sport called hockey. When I was younger, I spent many hours playing pond hockey with the boys. Playing outdoors has such a special and authentic feeling. I wanna join as an Ambassador for this good cause because I hope that every young girl and boy would have the same opportunity to have fun outdoors as I did! Our hockey community has so much strength and I believe if we all work together we can accomplish great things.”

MEERI
RÄISÄNEN

Photo: Meeri Räisänen

• Olympic 2X Bronze Medalist
• WC 2X Bronze Medalist
• Naisten Liiga Champion

“As a kid I was everyday, all night long playing pond hockey in the nearest rink. I loved the atmosphere we had back then. Most kids got together and we had amazing games. I have to say, I think that I wouldn’t be playing in the top level if I didn’t have the opportunity to have fun and play that much as a kid. I recommend to everyone, especially kids: go outside to play. That’s the easiest way to grow your game and have fun at the same time.”

NOORA
RÄTY

Photo: Noora Räty

• Olympic 2X Bronze Medalist
• IIHF WC Silver & 4X Bronze Medalist
• IIHF WC 5X Best Goaltender
• NCAA 2X Champion
• Naisten Liiga Champion
• Russian League 3X Champion

“When I was young, my favorite post-school activity in the winters was to play pond hockey with my friends. I would not be the hockey player I am today without these fun and competitive games we played for hours and hours. I created so many long lasting memories and hope the future generations will be able to experience what I did. Thus, it is important to spread the word about climate change and try to slow down global warming. Let’s fight for the common cause together so that we can enjoy playing outdoors for years to come!”

TIIA
REIMA

Photo: Marko Seuranen Photography

• Olympic Bronze Medalist
• IIHF WC 5X Bronze Medalist
• European Championship 4X Gold Medalist
• Naisten Liiga Alumni
• Finnish Hockey Hall of Famer #230

“I grew up playing outdoor hockey with my friends, we used to play as long as the lights were on. It’s very important to start to think about our future and mother earth. Having a 3 year old son makes me think about his future. I support Save Pond Hockey because I want kids in the future to be able to play hockey as I used to play!”

JARKKO
RUUTU

Photo: Marko Seuranen Photography

• Olympic Silver & Bronze Medalist
• IIHF WC 3X Silver & Bronze Medalist
• Liiga Champion
• Finnish Hockey Hall of Famer #250

“I grew up playing outdoor hockey. It was and still is the purest form of the game. I want to raise awareness of climate change on my behalf thru Save Pond Hockey, so that my kids and future generations will be able to experience the same joy that I had as a kid.”

KATE
STUART

Photo: Kate Stuart

• #31 SDWL – SDE HF 2

“As soon as I could walk, I was put into ice skates. I’ve had the joy of skating with my little cousins on ODRs made by my Dad on the river by his home. That experience of being with the next generation as they discover the game, in the same setting it was invented centuries ago, is priceless. When the ice rink is in your community’s backyard, there is so much more opportunity for anyone to step on the ice and fall in love with the game, as I did.

Our changing climate affects everything. With hockey, the warmer it gets, the less ice there will be to play outdoors. Teaming up with Save Pond Hockey means raising awareness and taking action to make the game that we love accessible for everyone, for always. There is a future for hockey that works with the planet, not against it, and we can all be a part of building that future.” 

SUSANNA
TAPANI

Photo: Tomi Hänninen

• #88 PWHL Boston
• Olympic 2X Bronze Medalist
• IIHF WC Silver & 4X Bronze Medalist
• Russian League Champion
• Ringette WC Gold Medalist

“I skated at outdoors with my family almost before I could even walk. We spent so much time playing outdoors every winter. I still enjoy it as much as I did as a kid. It has played a huge role in my career and I wouldn’t be the player I am today without it. I hope that all the kids can experience that in the future too! I am happy to be part of Save Pond Hockey and share the message together!”

EMMA
TERHO

Photo: Emma Terho

• Chair of IOC Athletes’ Commission
• Olympic 2X Bronze Medalist
• IIHF WC 4X Bronze Medalist
• Naisten Liiga Champion
• Finnish Hockey Hall of Famer #255

“My hockey memories have started from outdoor ice, and those memories are something that still bring joy. It is up to us, right now, to take responsibility and make those decisions about what the future looks like and if we are ready to take those chances away from the next generation, our children.”

CLAIRE
THOMPSON

• PWHL Minnesota Frost #42
• Olympics Gold Medalist
• Olympics All-Star
• IIHF WC Gold & Silver Medalist
• ECAC Hockey Champion
• Princeton Hockey Alumni

“Growing up, I spent countless hours on outdoor rinks. Those unstructured games were where i developed my skills and my love for hockey. Outdoor rinks are such a special part of the game, and it’s our responsibility to make sure the next generation gets to experience them too.”

ESA
TIKKANEN

Photo: Marko Seuranen Photography

• 5X NHL Stanley Cup Champion
• Olympic Bronze Medalist
• IIHF WC Bronze Medalist
• IIHF WJC Silver Medalist
• Finnish Hockey Hall of Famer #143
  

“Pipolätkä on parasta! (Pond hockey is the best!)”

MINTTU
TUOMINEN

Photo: Arno Hämäläinen

• Olympic 3X Bronze Medalist
• WC Silver & 4X Bronze Medalist
• Naisten Liiga Champion
• Russian League Champion

“I remember growing up, my brother and I used to spend all our free time in the winter at local outdoor rinks. The best part was when it got a bit dark and there weren’t that many players on the ice, and you could hear the sound the steel makes on the ice and when the stick hits the puck. It’s sad that the winters aren’t that cold anymore and the pond hockey season is so short. That’s a great reason for me to make decisions and try and spread the word about how everyone can fight climate change.”

UCHE
UDEH

Photo: Timo Savela

• Naisten Liiga 2X Champion

“My hockey career started from pond hockey. The first time I ever laced up my skates was outside during a freezing winter. I fell in love with it. Ever since, I’ve loved the game of hockey. Every day after getting home from school, I would run back to the ice with my skates and stick and I would stay there until they switched the lights off. I think every kid should have the opportunity to do the same in the future too.”

OSSI
VÄÄNÄNEN

Photo: Marko Seuranen Photography

• Olympic Bronze Medalist
• WC Gold, Silver, & Bronze Medalist
• Finnish Hockey Hall of Famer #261

“Nature has always mesmerised me and I have a deepest respect towards it. Animals, plants, climate, the whole 9 yards. To be a part of Save Pond Hockey is an honour and as individuals we all need to chip in for a common cause that knows no boundaries.”