Page 1 of From Helsinki with Love
PROLOGUE
THE PUCK NEWS
The fall of Jasper Åkerman: what will he do next?
December 21, 2022
Blog post by Quinn Matthews
Fights, unflattering photos, and womanizing ways. Those are the first three things associated with the skilled Finnish player. Many fans think he’s pucked if he doesn’t get his act together soon.
After another fight on home ice, Woodpeckers #17 Jasper Åkerman was ejected and given a staggering five-game suspension due to misconduct against the Lynx tonight. The suspension is longer than the standard timeframe because of his earlier behavior this season.
It’s been reported that the star center of the Woodpeckers, one of New York City’s two ice hockey teams, got heated over the comments his opposing player and former college teammate Rasmus Westerholm made. Before dropping gloves and fists went flying, Åkerman was said to have shouted profanities in Swedish. After their fight, Westerholm was helped off the ice to fix his broken nose.
The fight happened only a minute after Westerholm slammed Åkerman against the boards. People watching the game told us how the loud bang from the hit vibrated across the arena.
Our sources also inform us that the two have unfinished business from college and don’t get along. It clearly shows whenever Åkerman and Westerholm play against each other—tonight wasn’t the first time they fought.
WhenThe Puck News’ Savannah Rowan asked the center what his plans were for his extended suspension, Åkerman said that he was catching a flight to Helsinki as soon as possible. The suspension comes just before the holidays, which gives him more than enough time to spend with his family.
Åkerman’s parents and two younger sisters are waiting for him in his home country. His father is Finnish ice hockey legend Nils Åkerman, and his mother is Finnish figure skating Olympic winner Anne Salo-Åkerman. The two met and fell in love during the 1992 Winter Olympics in France, and Jasper was born less than a year later. His younger sisters, Elise and Linnea, skate and play hockey as well.
Åkerman is expected to be on the ice in just over two weeks when the Woodpeckers meet their biggest rival, the Peacocks, on their home ice.
The star center has been all over the news this season after his wild partying ways, one-night stands, and uncontrolled emotions. Many fans are afraid that the fame has finally made one of the best centers in the League lose all his focus.
We hope his trip to Finland helps Jasper Åkerman clear his head before it’s too late. The soon-to-be thirty-year-old player has been a great asset to his team, and fans hope he will get his act together sooner rather than later.
We couldn’t reach the Woodpeckers’ GM for a comment, but one can assume what last season’s Stanley Cup-winning team management thinks of the latest antics of one of their star players.
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THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG
JASPER
The morning after the fight, I walk out of my apartment building in Manhattan, head hung low. I can’t stomach the thought of seeing my coaches and teammates knowing that I let them downagain. Even ABBA’s greatest hits playing through my headphones are not helping to fix my sour mood, but I know what will: a two-hour skate before I have to get back to pack my bags and get ready for the extended holiday trip. I should be resting as my body hurts everywhere, but I must eliminate this negative energy before the flight to Helsinki.
Once outside the team’s practice rink, only five minutes away from my place, I fish my keycard from the side pocket of the duffel. I swipe the card like I always do, but it doesn’t work; the reader flashes a red light. I try again, my heart pounding, but nothing changes—still that same annoying red light illuminates the spot.
Fuck. They must have revoked my access after last night’s game. Slamming my fist against the metal door, I feel powerless and embarrassed. How could things have gotten any worse overnight? I’ve already let my team down, and now I can’t even prove to them that I’m still committed.
“What’s wrong, kid?” I hear behind me.
Turning around at the familiar voice, I greet Paul, an older gentleman in his seventies who has been working for the Woodpeckers organization longer than any of us.
“Morning, Paul. Can you please let me in?”
He shakes his head, his lips forming a thin line under his thick mustache. “I’m sorry, but I have strict instructions from the boss that you can’t get on that ice before January. I'm afraid there isn’t much I can do about that either.”
“But that’s almost two weeks away!” I raise my voice, feeling instantly shitty as this great guy doesn’t deserve my bad-tempered attitude. Taking a deep breath, I say, “Sorry, Paul.”
“I get why you’re upset, but I heard you’re heading to Finland to see your family. So get changed, have safe travels home, and relax. Just forget about New York and your busy life here for a moment. You deserve a break, Jasper. The city will always be here waiting for you.”
“I guess you’re right.”
“I always am,” the old man says with a knowing smile.
