The End of an Era in Finnish Ice Hockey
The past three decades have marked a significant period in Finnish ice hockey, which has now reached a poignant conclusion. The legacy of Antero Mertaranta , 69 years old, came to a close when Finland lost to the USA in the quarterfinals of the recent World Championship tournament.
Although Mertaranta’s tenure as the legendary voice of the Leijonat (Finnish national team) has ended, he will continue his career in ice hockey’s Liiga and as an athletics commentator. His final games during this championship have left fans reflecting on a remarkable career that has echoed through countless exhilarating moments in Finnish hockey history since the golden spring of 1995.
A Voice that Echoed History
Current head coach of the Leijonat, Antti Pennanen , was just a 16-year-old junior player in Hämeenlinna when the Leijonat clinched their first-ever World Championship title at the Globen in Stockholm. This historic moment is inextricably linked to Mertaranta’s iconic commentary.
“Antero Mertaranta brings to mind a myriad of his legendary quotes, such as ‘from the kebab kiosk’!” Pennanen remarked before the quarterfinal match. Mertaranta’s commentary has ingrained phrases and words into the Finnish hockey lexicon , becoming a part of the culture that fans cherish and recall fondly.
“And there’s the place, and here it comes! Ville Peltonen, 3-0, 39:56, Finland leads 3-0. A brilliant attack, and Sweden’s defense has been played to the kebab kiosk!”
The memories from Mertaranta’s commentary during Finland’s first gold medal in 1995 resonate strongly with Pennanen. He expresses his favorite line from that historical event: “Se on siinä” (“It is there!”). This phrase encapsulates the emotions tied to Finland’s first championship title, which holds immense significance for Finnish hockey.
“Sweden still trying. Myllys saves. Flags waving. Globen is roaring. Finland wins the World Championship! Finland claims gold! It is there! It is there! 4-1. Finland’s first-ever World Championship gold has been secured!”
Pennanen honors Mertaranta for his lengthy and impactful career as the voice of the Leijonat, wishing him to “keep going strong and hold the lion heart close,” emphasizing the profound respect players and fans have for him.
A New Era of Commentary
Current Team General Manager Jere Lehtinen , who played in the 1995 championship team, echoed the sentiment of praise towards Mertaranta’s contributions. He summarized his thoughts simply as, “A great commentator.” Lehtinen acknowledged that Mertaranta has introduced a new culture of commentary that has significantly elevated the popularity of hockey in Finland.
Memorable Moments and Legendary Calls
In the 1999 World Championship, during the last preliminary round match, Mertaranta was on fire once again. His passionate calls during pivotal moments encapsulated the thrill and excitement of live sports.
“10 seconds left. Such an incredible fight. Koivu. Shoot! Helminen, shoot! Oijoijoijoi! TWO SECONDS LEFT! TWO SECONDS LEFT! AND FINLAND HAS BEATEN RUSSIA! FINLAND HAS BEATEN RUSSIA! Finland ties it up at 3-3. Jere Karalahti. Now one may weep; now one may shout! Finland wins the group!”
The legendary commentary from Mertaranta has continued through the years, with memorable performances becoming a staple in the send-off of Finnish ice hockey. Notable moments include Mikko Koivu leading Finland to a final in 2007, and Mikael Granlund stunning everyone with his lacrosse goal against Russia in 2011.
On May 23, 2019, in Slovakia, Marko “Mörkö” Anttila scored a crucial equalizer against Sweden in the quarterfinals, a moment forever etched in fan memory. The assists from Niko Ojamäki and team captain Mikko Lehtonen amplified the excitement.
Mörkö just scored!EPA / AOP
Lehtonen identified Mertaranta as a legend, highlighting that the most memorable commentaries often stem from childhood memories of listening to him narrate significant moments in hockey. “All those memories come flooding back when I was a young boy in front of the screen. He is a legendary voice, a hallmark of World Championship hockey,” Lehtonen reminisced.
The legacy of Antero Mertaranta not only lies in his remarkable participation in Finnish ice hockey commentary but also in the way he shaped the passion and culture surrounding the sport. As this era concludes, his voice will remain synonymous with Finland’s proudest hockey achievements.