Pataljoona
Official supporters' organization of Porin Ässät, known for loud, brutal support.
Pataljoona (Finnish for Battalion), officially Ässät Fan Club/Pataljoona ry, is the official supporters' organization of Porin Ässät. It is notable for being the third largest fan organization by members in Finland during the 2008–09 season, and for its loud presence at Ässät's home and away games, particularly the Lukko–Ässät derby.
Quick Facts
- Established
- 2007
- Club
- HC Ässät Pori
- Stand
- Seisomakatsomo
- Arena
- Isomäki Ice Hall
- Membership
- ~200
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Pataljoona is present at Ässät's home and away games, especially the Lukko–Ässät derby, using chants supported by a drum, megaphone, flags, signs, and tifos. In home games, the group is located in the standing section (Seisomakatsomo) of Isomäki Areena. During the 2008–09 season, Pataljoona was the third largest fan organization by members in Finland, counting only registered organizations. Pataljoona also works with Karhunkämmen, a fan club that supports multiple teams from Pori, including Pesäkarhut, FC Jazz, and Ässät.
In a game against Ilves on October 16, 2021, Pataljoona left the stands and watched from the hallway as a protest against Ässät's poor playing; Ässät finished last that regular season. In 2022, Pataljoona began working with Karhunkämmen. In 2024, while Ässät's captain Jesse Joensuu was suspended, he joined the fans in the fan section.
Ässät fans are described as 'brutal' by several news outlets. After a scored goal, fans might call the opponent's goalie a sieve (seula in Finnish). They are also known for being hard on their own players, especially when the team plays poorly. In 2015, Pataljoona left flags and a banderole on a bus that later carried rival fan group Raumam Boja, who reportedly stole the equipment.
Reader's Guide
Pataljoona's significance lies in its role as the official supporters' organization of Porin Ässät, representing a passionate and vocal fanbase. The article highlights its ranking as the third largest fan organization in Finland during the 2008–09 season, underscoring its size and influence within Finnish hockey culture. The group's presence at the Satakunnan derby against Lukko and the Kasitien derby against Sport defines key rivalries, with incidents such as the 2015 flag theft by Raumam Boja and vandalism by Sport fans illustrating the intensity of these matchups. Pataljoona's protest during the 2021 game against Ilves, where fans left the stands due to poor performance, demonstrates a critical and engaged supporter base that holds the team accountable. The collaboration with Karhunkämmen since 2022 shows cross-sport fan unity in Pori. The description of Ässät fans as 'brutal' and their habit of calling opposing goalies a sieve, as well as being hard on their own players, reflects a demanding and vocal support style. The standing section of Isomäki Areena was described by Yleisradio in 2017 as the best fan section in Finland, cementing Pataljoona's legacy as a central element of Ässät's home atmosphere.
Did You Know?
- In 2024, suspended Ässät captain Jesse Joensuu joined Pataljoona in the fan section.
- Pataljoona left the stands in protest during a game against Ilves on October 16, 2021.
- In 2015, Pataljoona's flags and banderole were reportedly stolen by rival group Raumam Boja.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pataljoona?
Pataljoona is the official supporters' group of Porin Ässät, a Finnish professional hockey club. The name translates to 'Battalion' in English, reflecting the military-inspired identity the group carries into every match. They are recognized for their intense, loud atmosphere at both home and away fixtures.
Where do Pataljoona sit during Ässät games?
The group occupies the standing section (Seisomakatsomo) at Isomäki Areena in Pori. This standing area is where they create the wall of noise that defines the club's home-game experience.
How large is Pataljoona in the Finnish hockey fan scene?
During the 2008–09 season, Pataljoona ranked as the third-largest supporters' organization in Finland by member count. That placed them just behind the two biggest fan groups in the country at the time.
Who are Pataljoona's main rival fan groups?
Their fiercest rivalry is with Raumam Boja, the supporters' group of Lukko, especially during the Lukko–Ässät derby. They also face off against Red Army and Ultras 06, the fan organizations of Sport.
Has Pataljoona ever taken a public protest action?
Yes. On October 16, 2021, the group walked out of the stands during a match against Ilves as a show of dissent. Since 2022 they have also collaborated with the Karhunkämmen group, broadening their presence in the broader Finnish ultras scene.
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