Susanna Tapani Back With Team Finland

Susanna Tapani took a year away from hockey for the 2022-2023 season. She's back playing a key role with PWHL Minnesota, and is set to make her return with Team Finland at the Euro Hockey Tour.

After a year away from her national team, and hockey in general, Susanna Tapani is back with Team Finland for the upcoming Euro Hockey Tour. Tapani is off to a strong start to the 2024 PWHL season recording five points in her first eight games.

"[S]he's incredibly talented, and incredibly athletic," said Tapani's PWHL Minnesota teammate and USA national team member Kelly Pannek.

Tapani took a year away from hockey last season winning gold and tournament MVP honors representing Finland at the ringette World Championships. After a year away from the game however, Tapani planned to come back signing with the PHF's Metropolitan Riveters this season. When the league was acquired and shuttered, Tapani entered the draft and was selected 25th overall by Minnesota.

"I've always done the back and forth, ringette was my first sport, but I love both sports," said Tapani. "We had ringette Worlds last year, and I just wanted to focus on one sport at a time. I felt like I needed a break because it's very hard to focus on both, but now I'm ready to play hockey again."

Tapani last represented Finland at the 2022 Olympic Games and 2022 World Championships where she totalled 13 points in 13 games. The big forward has two Olympic bronze medals, four World Championship bronze medals, and a World Championship silver representing Finland.

Also back with Team Finland is Michelle Karvinen. The veteran duo add to an exciting core of returning players that includes Jenni Hiirikoski, Petra Nieminen, Elisa Holopainen and Viivi Vainikka.

Finland will compete against Czechia, Sweden, Germany, and Switzerland at the final stop on the Euro Hockey Tour beginning February 7 in Liberec, Czechia.