Volunteers play an irreplaceable role at the 2022 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship. The rewarded volunteers of yesterday were award ceremony assistants Nelli Auriola and Sanna Karjalainen, photographer Teemu Hannula and Terhi Varjonen from the communication team of the Finnish Ice Hockey Association.
Nelli Auriola was rewarded in Helsinki. She is part of the awards ceremony assisting team and was inspired by the chance of helping awarding players: “It sounded like a nice job which I probably wouldn’t be able to do otherwise.”
Rewarding the best players with Tissot watches really highlights the event. Nelli is a part of making the atmosphere dignified while handing the watch to the presenter of prizes. “It is amazing to be part of such a precious moment”, tells Nelli.
The best thing about volunteering at the 2022 Ice Hockey World Championship according to Nelli are the people. “The climate is so open and relaxed. We like to tell jokes and have fun. Thank you all for doing this together, we wouldn’t be here otherwise.”
Sanna Karjalainen is a part of a group of six volunteers who assist with award ceremony right after every game. At the ceremony best players of both teams are rewarded usually by giving them watches.
The volunteer’s job is to hand the award to the person who hands the prize to the player. “Really simple,” laughs Sanna.
It is yet important to be representative. Preparing for the ceremony is important. Sanna has a good background for appearing in the spotlight at Nokia Arena as she is part of Tappara Tampere’s cheerleading group.
Sanna ended up volunteering when cheerleaders were asked to apply for volunteers as assistants at the award ceremony. Some applied and got in.
“The best part of this is preparing for award ceremonies and coming out to the ice. When we don’t have work, we hang out in our dressing room or at the hall and at the Fan Zones.”
Photographer Teemu Hannula was awarded at the evening’s game. He was interviewed about his experience regarding his tasks at the tournament by the media team.
Teemu wanted to volunteer to gain more experience. His interest towards hockey and volunteering created that the idea. In his opinion best things about volunteering are taking good pictures and meeting colleagues.
Teemu’s day at work can look like anything really, but the start of the shift follows the same pattern.
“I always check in the beginning of my shift that the equipment is working, prepare edits for the night and check that the compositions are good to go regarding systems.”
Many things can happen during working days and sometimes Teemu wonders what could happen.
“This hasn’t happened yet but I’m afraid to be hit on my head by the puck. Also being crushed under a falling plexiglass or falling while climbing the stairs with my camera equipment are horrifying thoughts. These are the ones that photographers are always afraid of.”
Teemu’s regards to the other volunteers: “Games have started off well but let’s do our job even better, to the top!”
In Tampere during the day’s second game the rewarded volunteer was Terhi Varjonen. She is volunteering at the communication team of the Finnish Ice Hockey Association.
Terhi has volunteered various times and wishes to volunteer with hockey as many times as possible. Terhi has always been interested in hockey and now the home tournament gave her an amazing opportunity to volunteer.
Terhi thinks that people are the best thing about being volunteer. It is amazing to meet new people.
“It is wonderful to see how hockey brings people together. It is also interesting to see and experience the tournament from a slightly different perspective now that I’m volunteering.”
Terhi also mentions the amazing atmosphere.
“It is delightful how nice and happy everyone has been here. Everyone is always ready to help!”
Terhi sends greetings to other volunteers: “Let’s smile and keep an open mind. This really is a unique and amazing experience, let’s enjoy it together.”