World Championship Preview: Medal Goals Top Of Mind For Finland

For years, Finland was the clear next in line beyond Canada and USA. That has slipped in recent seasons, but with a growing cohort of Finnish PWHL players and emerging stars, the nation will look to not only get back to the podium in 2026, but challenge Canada and USA.

Among Finnish players slated to enter the PWHL this season are Petra Nieminen, Nelli Laitinen, Elisa Holopainen, Viiva Vainikka, and Emma Nuutinen, who will join Michelle Karvinen, Susanna Tapani, Ronja Savolainen, and Sanni Ahola in the league. Finland's Sini Karjalainen also played in the PWHL last season, but will miss the World Championships after tearing her ACL playing in Switzerland this Fall.

Many will be watching Viivi Vainikka, Elisa Holopainen, Emma Nuutinen, and Petra Nieminen up front hoping their impact will go beyond the World Championships and carry them to successful offensive seasons in the PWHL. Finland will need that boost to ensure they can get by Sweden and Czechia, who enter as their most pressing opponents in the hunt for the podium. These players are also stepping into the World Championships looking to open their season on the right foot and impress PWHL brass with their showing at Worlds. It's a win-win for Finland as they hope to get back to the podium, and for their players who have extra motivation this season.

If there's another spot to watch, it's in net with Sanni Ahola, who got off to a strong start with her international play, and will be tabbed as Finland's starter, although the nation has given equal looks to Emilia Krykko.

Sanni Vanhanen looks poised to launch her game into a new stratosphere as well after a fantastic rookie season with Ohio State, and a strong opening to her sophomore campaign. She'll head into Worlds looking to claim a top six role with Finland. 

At worst, Finland wants to leave this tournament with a bronze medal. They'll be in tough in their group facing Canada and Sweden, who have both beaten the Finns in the last year. Still, any place in the top three in their group keeps them out of USA's path in the quarterfinals. Nothing is guaranteed for Finland however, as they lost to both Sweden and Czechia in the days leading up to the World Championships. 

Finland's national development has seen a steep decline at the U-18 level, and that is starting to be felt on their senior national team, where unlike other nations, Finland has no young stars stepping in to provide a boost. Finland looks destined to finish anywhere between third and fifth at this event.

Goaltenders: Sanni Ahola, Emilia Kyrkkö, Kerttu Kuja-Halkola.

Defenders: Siiri Yrjölä, Jenni Hiirikoski, Sanni Rantala, Nelli Laitinen, Oona Koukkula, Krista Parkkonen, Nella Berg, Tuuli Tallinen.

Forwards: Elisa Holopainen, Sanni Vanhanen, Emmi Juusela, Petra Nieminen, Jenniina Nylund, Sofia Nuutinen, Julia Schalin, Viivi Vainikka, Michelle Karvinen, Sofianna Sundelin, Noora Tulus, Emma Nuutinen, Susanna Tapani, Julia Liikala.