THE HOCKEY CURRENCY

In the early years of the team, when Ukkonen was still building its reputation as the stellar team it is today, the managers issued a special currency for its earliest fans. The “Ukkonen Markka” could only be used to buy Ukkonen gear in at the stadium, but those who purchased or collected these bills were betting on the future of the team. They speculated that Ukkonen would be among the greats. Before long, Ukkonen Markka was a valuable commodity. Having an Ukkonen Markka is now a sign of being among the first generation of devoted fans.

On the face of the Ukkonen Markka is a portrait of Pietari “Boom” Pauhuvainen, one of the highest scoring players in the history of the team. “Boom” became so well-known that adoring fans began naming their sons after him, in hopes that they would go on to have a similarly illustrious career as a player. On the back, the graphic imagery evokes the lightning that accompanies thunder and the iconic axe of the god Ukko.