Team Finland Women's Hockey Roster
As the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing fast approach, hockey fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the start of the women's hockey tournament. One team that's sure to make waves is Finland, a country with a long and proud hockey tradition.
Team Finland: A Brief History
Despite being a relatively small country with a population of just 5.5 million, Finland has a strong hockey culture. The men's national team has been highly successful, winning two Olympic medals (a silver in 1988 and a bronze in 1998) and two World Championship titles (in 1995 and 2011).
The women's national team has also been successful, although to a lesser extent. They've won three Olympic bronze medals (in 1998, 2010, and 2018) and four World Championship bronze medals (in 2008, 2009, 2015, and 2017).
The 2022 Roster
So, who will be representing Finland at the 2022 Olympics? Let's take a closer look at their roster.
Goalies
First up are the goalies. Finland has three talented netminders on their roster:
- Anni Keisala
- Noora Raty
- Tiia Reima
Of these three, Raty is the most well-known. She's considered one of the best goalies in the world and has a wealth of experience, having played in four previous Olympics and numerous World Championships. In fact, she's already set a record by becoming the first female goalie to feature in five different Olympics.
Defenders
Next, let's take a look at Finland's defenders:
- Mira Jalosuo
- Nelli Laitinen
- Jenny Lehtinen
- Anna Kilponen
- Nora Tulus
- Ella Viitasuo
- Roosa Ylojarvi
One notable absence from this list is Minnamari Tuominen, who's decided to focus on her studies instead of playing in the Olympics. Despite her absence, Finland still has a solid group of defenders with plenty of experience and skill.
Forwards
Last but not least, let's take a look at Finland's forwards:
- Jenni Hiirikoski
- Saana Valkama
- Emma Nuutinen
- Viivi Vainikka
- Susanna Tapani
- Michelle Karvinen
- Annina Rajahuhta
- Elisa Holopainen
- Nelli Laitinen
- Julia Tikkila
- Emmi Rasanen
- Elina Mitrunen
This group includes several players who've had success in international competition, such as Hiirikoski (who's played in four previous Olympics) and Karvinen (who was Finland's leading scorer in the 2018 Olympics).
Conclusion
Overall, Finland's women's hockey team looks poised to make a strong showing at the 2022 Winter Olympics. Although they'll face stiff competition from other top teams like Canada and the United States, they have a talented roster with plenty of experience and skill.
Whether they ultimately win a medal or not, one thing's for sure: Team Finland will be a team to watch in Beijing.
