Jenni Hiirikoski is staying in Europe. The Lulea captain and future Hall of Famer had kept her intentions quiet through the Olympics, but by re-signing with Lulea this week, it's clear the Finnish defender has now ruled out the PWHL. "It feels incredibly good that we have been able to extend Jenni's contract for another season," said Lulea's Oskar Häggström in a translated news release [https://www.luleahockey.se/article/tqyatc6-30c4d/view]. "She is a fantastic leader who contributes greatly to our having a professional environment in Luleå. The way she prepares and how she is every day, both on the ice and in the locker room, can inspire everyone." Hiirikoski was injured at the 2026 Olympics missing Finland's final contest, and also missed most of last season with a heart problem that required surgery. The 38-year-old is the most decorated defender in international women's hockey history having won seven Best Defender awards at the World Championships and two at the Olympic Games. "Jenni has also had a fantastic journey this past season, from heart surgery during the summer to coming back and performing hockey at the highest level, where in addition to once again being nominated as one of the SDHL's best defensemen, she also represented Finland in her fifth Olympics," said Häggström. The 2026-27 season will be Hiirikoski's 11th with Lulea. "It feels very good to have extended my contract with Luleå Hockey for the upcoming season. I am very grateful for the continued trust from the association and am really looking forward to starting the work for another season in Norrbotten," said Hiirikoski in the translated release. "We have a strong group in Luleå Hockey, where many young players have taken big steps in their development during the season. And I want to be there and continue to contribute with my leadership so that they and we can become even better together next season."
