The female lions’ 3–0 victory over Germany did not leave much to tell for posterity.
However, there was significance in that World Cup B-level group match. Of course, Finland took the three points, which are important for the playoffs, but in the match, however, one wonderful marker was also broken.
To the respected captain of the Lionesses Jenni Hiirikoski it was A-national match number 400. In his celebratory match, Hiirikoski was Finland’s most efficient player with two assists.
However, it was not certain whether the captain of the national team would play in the 15th World Cup of his career. The star defender was hit in the neck in the SDHL final series and had to be operated on – just two and a half weeks before the opening match of the World Cup.
Hiirikoski, however, recovered quickly.
– Immediately after the incident, the surgery went well, the wound started to heal very well. Fortunately, there was a week to focus on the wound healing well. It looked good and got to go here, Hiirikoski begins.
It was especially important to get on the skates soon after what happened.
– It was also nice to get back on the ice immediately after five days of what happened. It was a really important moment for me to be able to get back on skates really quickly.
“People around
The A national team career that started in the 2003–2004 season has continued for almost twenty years.
Hiirikoski has played in every match since his first World Championships (2004), except for the 2006 Olympics. Then he was sidelined due to injury.
In these years, he has achieved three Olympic bronzes, seven World Championship bronzes and one World Championship silver, which came at Espoo’s home games in 2019.
– There have been all great moments. Many times I have raised (as the best achievement) the very first World Championships and the moments when you have seen what winning a prestigious medal means. A wonderful moment was definitely the home games 2019. It felt like people lived and breathed that tournament with us.
But would 16-year-old Hiirikoski have believed that he would still be playing puck in the 2023 World Cup?
– Back then, you couldn’t think that far ahead. There were experienced players around then who had a long career. He looked up to them and tried to absorb all the tips. They have cleared the way for us, Hiirikoski recalls and points out Sari Marjamäki (Frisk), Emma Terhon, Karoliina Rantamäki, Saija Tarkin and Riikka Sallinen.
However, it happened. According to the humble captain, the secret to a long career can be found in the people around him.
– Both in your own club team routine and in the national team as well. A good team around you also pushes yourself forward. We have always had tough goals in the club and national team, they guide what we do. Good coaches kick forward and give new tips, Hiirikoski begins.
– Being an athlete is the best thing I know at the moment. I really enjoy being able to live the everyday life of an athlete and develop myself.
“Hats off”
Sports expert Ismo Lehkonen remembers Hiirikoski’s first international matches.
– If someone had told me then that Jenni Hiirikoski would play 400 A national matches, I would have said that now the medication is in order, Lehkonen will throw but will get serious soon.
– That you can really cope in those circumstances, in those conditions, you have to go through the journey… Hats off, she has had a great career so far and has been an important role model for both young girls and experienced players. It’s about a real elite athlete.
According to Lehkonen, Hiirikoski has shown leadership, especially in difficult times. The last few years of the female lions have been full of upheavals. The performances on the rink haven’t lived up to expectations either, and after last fall’s World Cup, Finland fell catastrophically into the B-level group.
– He is a role model. The leader. After all, it’s easier to be involved when success comes and everything goes as planned. Along the way, there have been difficult moments and how elegantly Jenni has presented herself and taken responsibility, Lehkonen praises.
The head coach of the national team is also on the same lines Juuso Toivola.
– Jenni’s importance to Naisleijon has been, is and will be really great. He is a great person, a great athlete and a great role model. He is a really strong support pillar even for the current team, Toivola said after the match against Germany.
Many years of playing left
Hiirikoski recently celebrated his 36th birthday, but he still has playing years left. He has two more years left on his contract with the Swedish club Luulaja.
– I can’t say how long I will be seen in the national team. The contract with Luelaja has a couple of years left. We are working very hard to get the national team call up, Hiirikoski says.
To the question about what is still to be achieved in his career, he answers with a laugh.
– Yes, what I do daily takes me forward and enjoying everyday life and living in the moment. Especially after this last injury, the goal is to enjoy every moment and day when you get to be with the team, play and get on the ice to fight for the win in every game.
– They are certainly very simple, everyday little things that move me forward. I want to enjoy every day and give the best of myself to the team.
Lehkonen also encourages to play as long as possible.
– If you love a sport, why can’t you play as long as you like. When you think about Jenni’s athletic background, skill, skating skills and understanding of the game, I think she can play as long as she likes, Lehkonen adds.
– Under no circumstances should you think that you are too old even in five or six years. If you like the game, then the game!
Finland’s World Cup tournament continues on Sunday, when Sweden takes on Sweden in a match to be played at 18:00 Finnish time.