Finland got back to the podium last year winning bronze after watching Czechia win two straight bronze medals at the IIHF Women's World Championships. Finland will have an even tougher task this time around as Czechia is brining, what is being considered their best roster ever to the World Championships.
Finland has the world's best players currently competing outside North America in Petra Nieminen, Elisa Holopainen, and Michelle Karvinen, and their roster has good depth. The absence of future Hall of Famer Jenni Hiirikoski due to a mysterious illness will be a factor to watch, but Finland has the veteran leadership to step up in the absence of their captain.
Roster Notes
No Jenni Hiirikoski, who has played in 16 World Championships for Finland is a roster change that cannot be overlooked. She's not only played in 16 Worlds and is the all-time leader in World Championship games played, but Hiirikoski has been named the Best Defender at the IIHF women's World Championships seven times. Even at 38-years-old, it's a noteworthy loss. Only four players on Finland's current roster played in Finland this season in Auroraliiga, which has devolved into one of Europe's weakest women's leagues. Finland has three players returning from the PWHL to compete, a number which should grow by a player or two in 2026, and significantly following the 2026 Olympics. Finland's roster is one of the most experienced at the tournament, which could help them weather the storm.
Finland's X-Factor
She hasn't been a major impact at recent international competitions, but it would not be surprising to see Elisa Holopainen, recently named the SDHL's MVP, take a major step forward this year at Worlds. The 23-year-old made the jump to the SDHL where there's body checking. Prior to this season, she was well known for her hockey IQ and shot, but Holopainen was a player easily pushed off pucks. With a year of seasoning in a better, more physical league, it would not be surprising to see Holopainen's game take a step forward. Their forward depth including Susanna Tapani, Noora Tulus, Karvinen, Nieminen, Emili Vesa, Viivi Vainikka, Jenniina Nylund and others is impressive, but Holopainen may be ready to become a leader in this instead of a bit piece.
One To Watch For Finland
It may sound strange to say a 35-year-old is one to watch, but when it comes to a world view, Michelle Karvinen has global attention at the moment. All signs point to the belief that Karvinen, a Finnish legend and future Hall of Famer is heading to the PWHL. It's the only adventure she has yet to take in her storied career. Typically a player like Karvinen enters with nothing to prove, but this year, that might be different for the veteran who will hope to join national team compatriots Ronja Savolainen, Noora Tulus, and Susanna Tapani in the world's best league. Aside from Karvinen, netminder Sanni Ahola is the main PWHL target for the 2025 PWHL Draft from Finland.
Eyes On 2026
Finland's core will remain intact through 2026. If we were looking forward to 2030, there could be some concern as there's a gap at the U-18 level where Finland has struggled to produce elite players. One position where that gap could be felt in 2026 is on the blueline where beyond Savolainen, Nelli Laitinen, Sanni Rantala, and Krista Parkonnen there is a steep drop off. Siiri Yrjola may be able to help with another season of NCAA seasoning under her belt, but the cupboard is bare and it's a position, particularly without Jenni Hiirikoski in the mix, where Finland can easily be exposed.