During the last five years the number of Finnish ice hockey players migrating to Russia
has significantly increased. Despite this fact scarce research has been done in this field.
Moreover, comparing to the progress that has been achieved in other areas of sociology
of sport, much more work needs to be done, in sports transnational migration both at a
theoretical and empirical level. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine how
the migration period in Russia is perceived by Finnish professional ice hockey players
by exploring and interpreting their personal experiences. More specifically, it is asked in
this study for which reasons Finnish ice-hockey players migrate to Russia. Moreover,
dimensions related to the adaptation process and how it affects the performance of the
athletes among with the perceived by the players’ differences between the Finnish and
Russian ice hockey cultures are examined.
A qualitative phenomenological research method is applied in this t
hesis. This
particular method fits well for the purpose of the study, because it allows to develop a
composite description and interpretation of the essence of the experience of the
professional Finnish ice hockey players who have migrated to Russia. The data is
collected by semi-structured interviews of athletes who have played in Kontinental
Hockey League (KHL) for Russian clubs. Thematic content analysis was utilized to
analyze the collected data.
The results of this study reveal, that it’s important to focus on the experiences of the
migrants themselves as well as on the complexity of the relationships in which they are
involved inside and outside the play of field. Under this focus the personal and
professional motives of Finnish ice hockey players for migration are examined and
discussed. Moreover, issues of adapting into a new environment both on and off the ice
hockey ring are addressed, considering the cultural differences between Russia and
Finland. Finally, from the data derived it seems that although commingle of sport
cultures has taken place, the notion that a global homogenization of ice hockey culture
is occurring is not supported.
Implications for future research are also discussed, such as interviewing a larger number
of players, immediately before their departure from Finland and right away after their
arrival. Thus, deeper insights regarding the fulfillment of their expectations would be
reached. This way, additional valuable information can be derived and applied by
Finnish hockey players who intent to migrate to Russia.
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