Predicting Finland's Women's World Junior Roster

If an IIHF women's World Junior tournament were a reality this season, here is what Finland's roster could look like.

Finland had a rebound year at the senior national level, but finished out of the medals at both the women's World Championship and U-18 tournaments. If the IIHF launched their proposed World Junior tournament for women, nation's like Finland would benefit from the continued centralization of talent between the U-18 and senior levels.

Players like Sanni Vanhanen, who aged out of the U-18 tournament this season would be able to continue their development against peers, rather than try to find her way against senior national competition alone. 

If a 2024 tournament were scheduled, Finland would be able to bring four players from their senior national team, and several standouts from other international competition. Here's a look at what Finland's women's World Junior team could look like: 

Offensively, Finland would bring a group of players who have played in Naisten Liiga against older competition, headlined by long time senior national team member Sanni Vanhanen (2005), Oona Havana (2004), and Julia Schalin (2005), although Havana has yet to play this season due to injury. Vanhanen and Schalin, are both top ten in Naisten Liiga scoring this season notching well over a point per game each. From that threesome, Havana and Vanhanen have represented Finland at the senior national level.  Following this group, Pauliina Salonen (2005) is the next highest scorer in Naisten Liiga and has been a key member of Finland's U-18 national team the past three years. Beyond this core group, other locks up front include Anna-Kaisa Antti-Roiko (2004) and Tilli Keranen (2005). Moona Keskisarja (2004), Jenna Hietala (2004), and Emma Ekoluoma (2006), while the final roster spots would be fought for by the likes of Eveliina Kitula (2005), Iida Lappalainen (2005), Neea Pelkonen (2005), Alisa Makkonen (2004), Sofia Kari (2005), Heidi Kokora (2005), and Emma Lappalainen (2005).

Siiri Yrjola (2004) who is committed to play for St. Cloud State in the NCAA, is a lock. She's been the backbone of Finland's U-18 roster, and has seen reps with the senior national team this year vying for a spot at Worlds. Nella Berg (2005) also played for Finland's senior national team at a recent Four Nations event. The other blueline sureties include Ada Eronen (2004) and Adalmiina Makkonen (2004), while Sinna Varjonen (2005), Jenniina Kuoppala (2004), Raili Mustonen (2004), Aino Krook (2005), and Jennika Ojala (2006) could contend for the final spots.

In net Finland would be placing all their cards on St. Cloud State commit Emilia Kyrkkö (2004), who was Finland's third goalie at the World Championships. She won the U-18 World Championships Best Goaltender award in 2022, and was named the Best Goaltender in Naisten Liiga in 2023. Miia Vainio (2004) is the logical backup, with youngster Kerttu Kuja-Halkola (2007) taking the third spot.