Hockey from Finland (pt. 2)

[ac4760]

Back in May of 2020 I had posted several items that I had received from an SCF member from Finland. We began corresponding in 2009 and have kept in touch since then. His name is Marko and his user name is Karhukissa. We were finally going to meet face to face in June of 2020 as he was scheduled to attend a conference/expo for NHL equipment managers (he is the owner of Protective Gear Finland). Covid eventually canceled the event but we hoped one day we would meet. That day was last Wednesday the 21st. He had promised to bring me and my family some nice things from Finland. And he did. Among the many things were a couple of game used Finland jerseys.

The first is of Miikka Salomaki used in two games from the 2021-22 Euro Hockey Tournament.
Salomaki EHT jersey back.jpg Salomaki EHT jersey.jpg


Next was a Brad Lambert jersey used in the U20 tournament (lots of wear)
Lambert U20 jersey back.jpg Lambert U20 jersey front.jpg



As if this wasn't enough, while at the expo, he played golf with Dale Hawerchuk's son and the owner of Classic auctions. At the end of the round they had a raffle for lots of auto'd authentic jerseys, sticks and other items. Marko was hoping for a pair of Sebastian Aho auto'd gloves but ended up winning the grand prize. As it was a large item, the Blue Jackets Equipment manager said not to worry, he would have them shipped to him in Finland rather than try to fly home with them. Marko said it wouldn't be necessary as he had someone to give them to....me! So on top of everything he brought I received a pair of 22-23 preseason game used pads from Elvis Merzlikins. The catcher and blocker somehow didn't make the trip but Marko will give those to his son who plays goal in Finland.Marko showed me where Elvis had written "Kivi" on one pad and "80" on the other as well as what I assume is a cross on each also in honor of his teammate and fellow Latvian, Matiss Kivlenieks. I found these pads on Getty images for games against Washington and Pittsburgh.

merzlikins right leg pad back dual.jpgMerzlikins left leg pad back dual.jpgMerzlikins leg pads.jpg
Merzlikins preseason vs Capitals 10-08-2022.jpg

As he had a little time to spend before he flew to Miami, we all went on a quick trip to the Grand Canyon. Here is a picture of the two of us at Mather Point. He is in the orange cap and I am wearing the Team Finland shirt.

Marko and Allan at the Grand Canyon.jpg

We had a great time and maybe the expo will bring him back another day.

Here are a few other things I received from him over the last couple of years. A couple of Teemu jerseys.
An authentic ( not game worn or issued) Team Finland jersey autographed by Teemu Selanne
Selanne jersey back SCF.jpgSelanne jersy front SCF.jpg

and a game issued jersey from Teemu Turunen from the St. Petersburg Classic a couple years ago. The players got to keep their jerseys but Turunen was unable to play so Marko was given the jersey which was then sent to me.

Turunen jersey back SCF.jpgTurunen jersey front SCF.jpg

And lastly, a jersey that he customized with my last name which is really cool.
Myers jersey back SCF.jpgMyers jersey front SCF.JPG

I also received Finland T-shirts, polo shirts which were only given to the team players and staff, IIHF game pucks and many other things. To be fair, he will be taking some nice things with him back to Finland. This all began with a small request for a single card here on SCF 13 years ago.

Hopefully, all the images appear. I have an old camera and am a poor photographer so the pictures aren't the best. If you made it to the end, thanks and happy collecting.

[mooneyes]

Wow those jersey's are awesome! Congrats.
Hopefully Lambert turns out to be a star for the Jets

[doniceage]

Congrats on making a great friend and sharing a even better story.

DON

[pwskelly]

It's very cool when you see how the hobby can bring people together! Thanks for sharing your story.

[zunato]

Very Cool

[creasecollector]

Now those are amazing game-worn pieces!!