An Unforgettable Adventure: 200×85’s Europe Experience at the 2025 Finland Lions Cup

For the families who joined 200×85 at the 2025 Finland Lions Cup, the trip was so much more than just a hockey tournament—it was a full-fledged European adventure that combined fierce competition with rich cultural discovery.

This year’s journey brought players and their families on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure through Northern Europe, blending fierce competition on the ice with immersive experiences off of it. From museums to medieval cities, icy bars to warm saunas, this was a trip that forged lifelong memories far beyond the rink.

A Cultural Experience Unlike Any Other

Before players even laced up their skates, the experience had already begun. Families toured the awe-inspiring Vasa Warship Museum in Stockholm, walked through decades of pop music history at the ABBA Museum, and enjoyed a frosty drink at the ICEBAR Stockholm.

From there, the group boarded the Silja Line Cruise, setting sail across the Baltic Sea from Stockholm to Helsinki. Some participants even added a bonus day trip to Tallinn, Estonia, exploring the cobblestone streets and fairytale architecture of this beautifully preserved medieval city.

In Finland, the exploration continued with a tour of the historic Suomenlinna Fortress Island, followed by a traditional Finnish sauna and swim—a unique and refreshing way to relax after game days.

As one parent put it:
“The entire experience was well enjoyed by my family. I am happy that we were scheduled every day with an event—that really moved the trip along and made it easy. We were impressed by the organization, coordination, and experience.”

Another shared, “The planning was great! Mikke our guide was informative and helpful.” The local guide, Mikke, was a fan favorite among participants and added a personal, knowledgeable touch to each destination.

On-Ice Success

While the cultural side of the trip was exceptional, the teams also showed they belonged on the international stage.

• The 2012 team earned bronze, finishing with a 4-0-1-1 record. They came within a shootout of reaching the championship game, falling just short against Kiekko-Espoo EPS Red in the semifinals.

• The 2013 team finished with a strong 4-2-0-0 record and proudly represented North America with a relentless effort throughout the tournament.

• The 2014 team battled hard to the bronze medal game, finishing 4th with a 4-2-0-0 record after falling to Finnish powerhouse Jokerit White.

Players competed in a tournament structure that guaranteed six games, allowing families to get the most from the international experience—regardless of how deep they went in the bracket. As one participant noted:

“In the U.S., if you lose early, you’re done. In Finland, it was awesome to play six games no matter what. That was a huge bonus after traveling that far.”

Last Call for 2025 Europe Experiences

There’s still one final opportunity to join the 200×85 Europe Experience in 2025—but space is limited.

CCM Bled, Slovenia

Set in the picturesque town of Bled, this tournament welcomes top teams from Sweden, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, USA, and Canada. Players will compete at a high level while enjoying cultural tours and scenic views in one of Europe’s most charming destinations.

• 2015 Birth Year: July 21–28, 2025 – APPLY TODAY
• 2014 Birth Year: July 28–August 4, 2025 – APPLY TODAY

CCM United Kingdom Cup

From iconic British landmarks to fierce international hockey, this event blends elite competition with rich cultural experiences. Teams will take the ice against global opponents while exploring historic sites across the United Kingdom.

• 2011 Birth Year: July 15–22, 2025 – APPLY TODAY

If your family is ready for the ultimate combination of world-class hockey and international adventure, don’t wait. These final Europe Experiences are almost full—and they’ll be gone before you know it. If you’re interested in joining a 2025 Europe Experience or want to learn more about what to expect, don’t hesitate to reach out, email Sasha Ristic at sasha@200×85.com with any questions or for more information.