Finland was again left out of the medal matches at the Women’s Ice Hockey World Cup in Canada. However, the fifth place of the female lions guaranteed that Finland will return to the A-level group in next year’s games.
Former striker of the Finnish women’s national team Venla Court hopes that Finland will wake up to the fact that women’s hockey needs to be invested in as well. Otherwise, it’s pointless to dream about top results. Hovi started a year ago in the spring as the head coach of the Metropolitan Riveters, who play in the North American women’s top league.
– I hope that women’s ice hockey is of interest in Finland and that full investment will be made. Yes, Finland should be included in the top ranks. If you don’t invest in women’s hockey, you can’t expect results either. All countries are constantly moving forward, Hovi emphasizes.
The USA and Canada won the top spots at the World Cup as usual. According to Hov, the World Cup bronze team Czech Republic is also a good indicator for Finland.
– The Czech Republic has become a successful team. It has been noticeable for a long time that the Czech Republic will rise to the top. They have really skilled players and a well-coached team, Hovi noted.
Hovi sees that Finland should also learn from the Czech Republic.
– In the Czech Republic, players are encouraged to go to tougher leagues abroad at a young age. Especially now that women have won a professional league in North America, it would be good to get players into a small rink to play faster puck.
– In a small rink, decisions must be made faster, the puck must constantly move. Individual skills and the ability to pass were visible in the Czech game. That was a differentiating factor when comparing the Czech Republic to Finland, for example, Hovi thinks.
Hovi reminds that the Finnish team is undergoing rejuvenation surgery.
– There are a lot of young players coming to Finland, so this team’s best playing years are certainly yet to come. Hopefully as soon as possible.
The head coach of the female lions might also be interested
Venla Hovi has behind him a challenging, but at the same time fascinating year behind the Metropolitan Riveters bench.
– I’ve had a really good time. It’s been a great journey for a year now. A really educational trip, I am grateful that I have been given this opportunity, says Hovi.
Negotiations on the extension contract are currently underway.
– I want to continue here. I think we can come to an agreement. The negotiations will decide whether my extension is only for one year or longer. I have been able to learn and put myself in the discomfort zone, which is important in terms of development, Hovi stresses.
Hovi admits that he is interested in becoming the head coach of the Women’s Lions in the future, if the offer is a good one.
– Why wouldn’t it be interesting if the timing was suitable for my own life, and I could put everything in order. Would definitely be a great opportunity. The Finnish women’s national team is really close to my heart since my own playing career. But it’s quite difficult to say at this moment whether to stick or to divide, since I’ve never been involved in such discussions, Hovi spins.
Hilary Knight as a superstar on the World Cup ice – “A nightmare player for Paks”
The superstar of the now ended World Cup was the USA Hilary Knight. Knight swept the finals with his three hits, leading the United States to the world championship. Knight won the goal exchange of the tournament and already celebrated the ninth World Cup gold of his career.
– Knight has been one of the best players in the world for many years. The best players always rise to a new level in tight moments, and that’s what happened this time as well. Hilary is a really physical and big player and has a shot that not many other female players have.
– He is a nightmare player for the pack, especially in front of the goal. Hilary is really hard to hold back, usually she gets to pull in the rebounds if they just come, Hovi describes.
What made the USA a better team than Canada?
– In the end, it’s the little things that matter. The young players of the USA team have jumped wonderfully into the big screens. The USA team has skill and scoring power. They took advantage of their position in special situations, Hovi estimated.