lätkä

Lätkä is a Finnish slang term for ice hockey. The word is derived from the Finnish word for hockey stick, "lätkämaila". While "jääkiekko" is the official Finnish term for the sport, "lätkä" is commonly used in informal contexts, particularly in everyday conversation among Finns. It is a widely understood term throughout the country and is frequently used by players, fans, and media when discussing the sport casually. The term encompasses all aspects of ice hockey, from professional leagues to amateur games. The popularity of ice hockey in Finland, often referred to as "lätkä," is significant, with the national team having achieved considerable success in international competitions. The term reflects the deep cultural connection many Finns have with the sport.