 The later being a sport of passion for many Helsinkians, who usually take a stance for either of the local clubs HIFK or Jokerit.The strong culture of ice hockey has led to Helsinki becoming the birthplace of many legendary National Hockey League stars such as Teemu Selänne, Jari Kurri and Esa Tikkanen.Although not as popular, rugby union is also played in the Finnish capital, which is represented by the Helsinki RC and Helsinki Warriors RC.