Finland Opens 3 Nations Tournament With Win

Finland opened their 3 Nations Tournament with a 5-4 win against Czechia.

Two of the top nations outside North America faced off to open a 3 Nations Tournament held in Finland, with the host Finns edging Czechia 5-4.

Czechia's Denisa Krizova who played for the PHF's Minnesota Whitecaps last year and led the bronze medal winning Team Czechia in scoring at the World Championships had a spectacular game scoring a hat trick, but it wasn't enough to lead her team to a win.

"I don't think they were much better. It was a classic up and down match," said Krizova following the game. "But they went to the goal more, had more shots and chances. They were probably better at this. We have to focus more on the ending. It was even, so we're looking forward to meeting them in a few days, it will be a very good return."

Viivi Vainikka and Petra Nieminen both had a goal and an assist for Finland, who also got goals from Nelli Laitinen, Julia Liikala, and Kiira Yrjänen.

Czechia's fourth goal came on a beautiful individual effort from Michaela Pejzlová who plays her professional hockey in Finland's Naisten Liiga with HIFK.

Both teams featured the majority of their veteran members.

The third team in the 3 Nations Tournament is Sweden, who will be without their top two scorers from the 2023 World Championships Hanna Olsson and Hilda Svensson for the event.