Finland's Ronja Savolainen is one of the top defenders in the world, and next season she plans to bring her talents to the PWHL, calling the league "something I've been dreaming about." Ronja Savolainen is headed to PWHL Ottawa after being selected 8th overall in the second round of the draft. Playing for Lulea this season in the SDHL, the 26-year-old Savolainen scored 11 goals and 29 points in 35 games. With five World Championship and two Olympic medals, Savolainen is a seasoned veteran. The Helsinki product has won six and is a six-time champion with Luleå. She recorded 29 points in 35 games this season, including 11 goals which tied for the league-lead at her position. She’s a two-time Olympic bronze medalist and five-time IIHF Women’s World Championship medalist, adding a fourth bronze to her collection at the 2024 tournament. According to the PWHL hockey operations department “She brings a meanness to her game and is one of the toughest defenders to play against. Transitions with consistent decision making and not afraid to jump into the play with strong mobility that is an asset on the offensive blue line and in defensive battles.” The 5-foot-10 defender is physical, mobile, and can contribute offensively both jumping into the rush and by distributing from the back. She'll be an immediate impact in the lineup next season.
