Noora Raty has joined the Kunlun Red Star playing in China's revamped professional women's league, serving as a goaltending coach.
Noora Raty has joined the Kunlun Red Star playing in China's revamped professional women's league, serving as a goaltending coach.
Noora Raty's name has been involved in many discussions this year. Next up for the future Hockey Hall of Famer is a role as the new goaltending coach for the Kunlun Red Star in China.
Raty had signed a six figure contract this offseason to play in the PHF for the Metropolitan Riveters. She then pursued a spot in the PWHL, but according to the Finnish star, she was blacklisted from the league after leaving the PWHPA board in the spring to join the PHF.
"It became clear to me very early that I’m not welcomed in the PWHL because of the decision I made last spring," Raty told The Hockey News.
Räty is one of the most decorated goaltenders in hockey history earning World Championship best goaltender honors five times, and an Olympic all-star nod. Räty also backstopped Finland to two Olympic bronze medals, four World championship bronze, and a World Championship silver.
Räty joined the PWHPA after the Canadian Women's Hockey League folded in 2019. The year prior, she was named the 2018 CWHL Goaltender of the Year while backstopping Kunlan Red Star. During her time with the organization, Räty sat on the PWHPA board.
Raty joins a growing number of players and personnel headed to China this winter including former Metropolitan Riveters head coach Ivo Mocek who will serve as Kunlun's head coach, Minttu Tuominen who was drafted by PWHL Minnesota, Ryleigh Houston, Kaitlyn Tougas, Kiana Wilkinson, and Danielle Fox.