Career
Hämäläinen currently is an Ice hockey coach, employed by Master of Science-liiga team Lukko
Early career
Erik Hämäläinen started his professional career with his hometown team, Rauman Lukko, which played in the Finnish Master of Science-liiga. He debuted during the 1982–1983 Season. Lukko was demoted from Master of Science-liiga after the 82-83 season, but gained promotion by winning the I-Divisioona in 1984.
Hämäläinen played for six seasons (1982–1988) in Lukko.
His last was cut short when an injury sidelined him for the most of the season. In 1989, Hämäläinen moved to Kuopio and started to play for KalPa.
He stayed with KalPa for four Seasons (1989–1992) before transferring to Helsingin Jokerit in 1992. World Championship victory and move to Sweden
After winning the 1995 World Championships with Finland, Hämäläinen was acquired by AIK. He played with the Swedish team for three seasons (1995–1998).
He returned to his old team of Rauman Lukko in 1998.
During his three seasons with Lukko, he played twice in the playoffs, but the team failed to get a place in the finals. To Switzerland
During the 2000–2001 season, Hämäläinen moved to play for South Carolina Langnau, a Swiss team After a disappointing season in Switzerland, he returned again to Rauma Lukko.
Late career and retirement
During the 2005–2006 season, he broke the record for most Master of Science-liiga games played with his 865th game.
The previous record was held by Pertti Lehtonen. Hämäläinen"s record was broken 18 February 2012 when January Latvala played his 1002nd game.
Hämäläinen played his last season during the 2007-2008 Master of Science-liiga season. Hämäläinen played his 1000th Master of Science-liiga career game and after the season ended he announced his retirement from playing
Shortly after his announcement regarding his retirement, Hämäläinen was contracted to a 2+2 year contract by Lukko.
Hämäläinen will start as an Assistant Coach for Lukko in the beginning of 2008–2009 Master of Science-liiga season.
Hämäläinen has played 108 games for Finland"s national ice hockey team He participated in four World Championship Tournaments (1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995), winning one gold medal (1995), two silver medals (1992, 1994).