The Hockey News' Ian Kennedy previews Team Finland's roster for the 2024 IIHF women's hockey World Championships. Members of Finland's women's national hockey team - Jenni Hiirikoski, Nelli Laitinen, Petra Nieminen, Ronja Savolainen, and Viivi Vainikka [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA1MTkwMDI5OTczMTM3MDI4/team-finland---iihf.png] Members of Finland's women's national hockey team - Jenni Hiirikoski, Nelli Laitinen, Petra Nieminen, Ronja Savolainen, and Viivi Vainikka Finland's 2024 World Championship roster is perhaps the best the nation has ever fielded. In particular, they're bringing waves of strength and depth up front. Here's a look at Finland's roster ahead of the 2024 IIHF women's World Championships in Utica, New York. FINNISH FIRE POWER WILL BE FUN Back from last year at dynamic forwards including Petra Nieminen, Noora Tulus, Elisa Holopainen, and Viivi Vainikka. It's a group that mixes speed and skill, and who are all well within their prime. To round out Finland's formidable top six is the return of two of the best forwards ever to lace them up for Finland in Michelle Karvinen and Susanna Tapani. Finland had flash last year, but this duo returning to their national program provides more skill and leadership alongside the youthful core that has continued to develop. It doesn't end there however as youngster Sanni Vanhanen is coming off a breakout season, and Jenniina Nylund is not only well seasoned against top North American players, but she's a likely candidate to earn a spot in the PWHL next year alongside several other Finns like Tapani, who is already in the league with PWHL Boston, and Noora Tulus. Vainikka is believed to be headed to the PWHL when her contract expires after next season. Emilia Vesa is another threat for Finland, as is Julia Liikala. Finland will role three lines that will keep every pair of opposing defenders on their toes...or perhaps heels. BLUELINE STRENGTH WITH A GLARING OMISSION Jenni Hiirikoski is ageless, remaining one of the best defenders on the planet, period. It would be a dream for fans to see her play in the PWHL, but with another season on her contract, time might be running out for that. One player who will certainly star in the world's top league in the future is NCAA star Nelli Laitinen, who is the future stalwart of Finland's blueline. Next season it's expected the hard hitting Ronja Savaolainen will bring her game to North America. She's big, and loves to jump into the play as one of the best, and nastiest, two way defenders to deal with on the planet. One glaring omission from Finland's blueline was Sini Karjalainen. Finland didn't play her much last season, but she's far superior than a number of blueliners they did bring. Sanni Rantala will round out Finland's top four on the blueline. A GOOD GOALIE PROBLEM Like they did last year, Finland is likely to enter the 2024 World Championships without a clear number one netminder. Following her spectacular season in the NCAA, the edge will likely favour St. Cloud State's Sanni Ahola, but HV71 netminder Anna Keisala will have something to say about that. Finland continues to be a nation known for producing top netminders, and whoever is in net of this duo will give the team a chance to win. MEET THE NEWCOMERS Perhaps the most notable new face on Team Finland at the 2024 tournament is forward Julia Schalin. Schalin has U-18 national team experience, but is making her senior national team debut. She had a breakout season in Naisten Liiga recording 48 points in 31 games, but Finland's top league is several notches below even the NCAA, so there will certainly be an adjustment period for the 18-year-old. On the blueline 20-year-old Oona Kuokkula and 25-year-old Eve Savander are newcomers, with Savander an alumni of Ohio State who is playing in the SDHL. Netminder Tiia Pajarinen is also making her first senior national team appearance at the World Championships.
