Matti Hagman

Matti Hagman was the first Finnish-born and -trained hockey player to play in the NHL. He started with the Boston Bruins in October 1976 andeventually played seven NHL seasons through 1982, also suiting up with the Quebec Nordiques and Edmonton Oilers. Hagman was a high-scoring center. In Finland he played with Helsinki IFK from 1972-85, then spent a year with EV Landshut before returning to HIFK for three seasons, then spending two years with Hockey-Repais, again returning to HIFK for the 1991-92 season, after which he retired.

Internationally, Hagman played in the 1976 Winter Olympics, four World Championships (1975-76, 1978 1983), and three Canada Cups (1976, 1981, 1987). He later coached several Finnish teams and also coached Martigny in Switzerland. Hagman’s son, Niklas Hagman, later played in the NHL with the Anaheim Ducks. His sister, Riitta Salin, was a track sprinter won won the 400 metres at the 1974 European Championships.