As good as Canada and USA are, Finland can hang close in this department. They have the veteran punch of Susanna Tapani, Petra Nieminen, Michelle Karvinen [https://thehockeynews.com/womens/pwhl/karvinen-enjoys-a-full-circle-moment-heading-to-vancouver], Ronja Savolainen, and Noora Tulus. Finland also boasts an impressive group of up and comers like Viivi Vainikka, Elisa Holopainen, Sanni Vanhanen, Sanni Rantala, Sofianna Sundelin, and Julia Schalin, along with solid support from Emilia Vesa, Ida Kuoppala, Jenniina Nylund, and Julia Liikala. It's unknown whether long time captain Jenni Hiirikoski will continue to compete following an illness that plagued her much of last season and kept her from the 2025 World Championships. The team held their first preparatory camp in June with all eyes on the 2026 Olympics in Milano Cortina. Finland will go head-to-head with Czechia as bronze medal favorites, and always have an upset on their mind. Michelle Karvinen is the newest Finn heading to the PWHL WHO WILL BE IN NET IN 2026? Sanni Ahola is the leading contender to be Finland's starter. She had the role at the 2025 Olympics before Finland tried to bounce between other goaltenders. In the end, youngster Emilia Krykko stole some time, but Ahola, who is headed to the PWHL to play with the Ottawa Charge, is likely going to get every opportunity to carry Finland in 2026. Krykko will be the starter at St. Cloud State and will have plenty of reps under her belt in the challenging WCHA as well. The other netminders in contention are University of Maine's Kiia Lahtinen and veteran Anni Keisala. The Picks: Sanni Ahola, Emilia Krykko, Kiia Lahtinen DEFENSIVE QUESTIONS REMAIN FOR FINLAND If there is one significant question mark for Finland, it's their blueline. Ronja Savolainen and Nelli Laitinen are the anchors, along with Sanni Rantala. If Jenni Hiirikoski can squeeze a final Olympics out of her body, it will give Finland a formidable top four that can compete. Hiirikoski however, did not attend Finland's camp in June. At the moment, Finland needs to proceed as if Hiirikoski won't be playing. Beyond this group, Finland needs to examine who is best prepared to face the strongest Olympic competition women's hockey has ever seen. Expect Siiri Yrjölä to take a step forward in her role with Finland as she enters her second NCAA season at St. Cloud State. Finland should consider bringing back Sini Kajalainen for her veteran experience, including facing North American talent, but she hasn't played for Finland since 2023. Elli Suoranta saw quality minutes at the 2025 World Championships and played well, but until she leaves Finland's Auroraliiga for stiffer competition, there will be question marks. Krista Parkonnen and Oona Koukkula are other candidates, with Parkonnen having significant NCAA experience, and Kuokkula potentially drawing more responsibility entering her second season in the SDHL at only 21. Finland has shuffled their deck so many times at the back end that Ada Eronen and rising Tuuli Tallinen may crack the lineup. The Picks: Ronja Savolainen, Nelli Laitinen, Sanni Rantala, Siiri Yrjola, Elli Suoranta, Oona Koukkula, Sini Karjalainen, Tuuli Tallinen. Elisa Holopainen - Photo @ Heikki Löfman / Suomen Jääkiekkoliitto [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/92dd1a3e-a4df-4437-a2a6-a43e6770613b.jpeg] Elisa Holopainen - Photo @ Heikki Löfman / Suomen Jääkiekkoliitto FLASHY FORWARDS FINLAND'S KEY Finland's forward group is strong. It's the key to their roster that keeps them a step ahead of the rest of the world, and nipping at the heels of Canada and USA. Susanna Tapani and Michelle Karvinen will be battle ready from the PWHL, and Noora Tulus brings a season of PWHL experience to Finland's roster whether she returns to the league or not. Add in Petra Nieminen, who could step into any top six in the PWHL today with her physical, power forward game, Viivi Vainikka who will soon join the PWHL through the 2026 Draft, and the reigning SDHL leading scorer in Elisa Holopainen, and this group has it all. But it certainly does not stop there. Sanni Vanhanen is headed to Ohio State, Jenniina Nylund is an NCAA experienced forward who has been strong in the SDHL and could challenge for a PWHL roster spot next year, and NCAA players like Julia Schalin and Sofianna Sundelin took huge steps forward last year. With the support of veterans Emilia Vesa, Ida Kuoppala, and Julia Liikala, this group is beyond 12 deep. Finland might be wise to lean into more players with NCAA experience like Sofia Nuutinen, Oona Havana, and Nea Tervonen for depth, but they could also give one of their final spots to Emma Ekoluoma who got a sniff at Worlds. The Picks: Susanna Tapani, Michelle Karvinen, Noora Tulus, Petra Nieminen, Viivi Vainikka, Elisa Holopainen, Sanni Vanhanen, Jenniina Nylund, Julia Schalin, Sofianna Sundelin, Emilia Vesa, Ida Kuoppala, Julia Liikala, Sofia Nuutinen. FINLAND'S POTENTIAL OLYMPIC ROSTER Elisa Holopainen - Susanna Tapani - Petra Nieminen Michelle Karvinen - Noora Tulus - Viivi Vainikka Sanni Vanhanen - Jennina Nylund - Emilia Vesa Julia Schalin - Sofianna Sundelin - Ida Kuoppala Julia Liikala - Sofia Nuutinen Ronja Savolainen - Sanni Rantala Nelli Laitinen - Siiri Yrjola Sini Karjalainen- Elli Suoranta Oona Koukkula - Tuuli Tallinen Sanni Ahola - Emilia Krykko - Kiia Lahtinen
