Naisleijonat is playing in the EHT hockey tournament in Sweden this week. Head coach Juuso Toivola was happy about Michelle Karvinen’s return to the national team.
Michelle Karvinen returns to the Finnish women’s national ice hockey team after a long break. Karvinen, the striker of Frölunda, who plays in the Swedish league, is participating in the EHT tournament starting on Thursday in Falun, Sweden.
– Nice to see Karvinen after a long time at Naisleijon. He has had a very good and efficient autumn. Karvinen has been the driving force behind his team, piloting Naisleijon Juuso Toivola reviews for Urheilu.
KalPa striker Elisa Holopainen has recovered from his injury and is in the team. Head coach Toivola sees that the Women’s Lions will get to the Falun tournament with a team capable of striking.
– There is turnover in the team. It’s a good sign that we have depth and younger and more experienced players. The games will show how we succeed, Toivola predicts.
What do you want to see in this week’s matches?
– I want to see energetic team play and effective attacking play. Goal scoring efficiency. Let’s play time and space away from the opponents. And still a happy expression on the field and in the changing room, Toivola listed.
Jenni Hiirikoski and Petra Nieminen on the sidelines
The leading figures of the female lions include Jenni Hiirikoski and Petra Nieminen are on the sidelines for this week’s events. Toivola assures that both are still strongly involved in thinking about the spring World Cup team.
– Absolutely. There will be minor bruises during the season, and we respect the players’ situations. We have a chat connection with all the players, Toivola commented.
Toivola emphasized that player selections are always considered tournament by tournament.
– The season is long, includes a lot of matches and traveling. The general practice is that we look at each player’s situation on a case-by-case basis. We aim for everyone to be at their best in the spring, Toivola said.
Canada and the USA will only be on board at the World Championships
In this week’s tournament, Finland will face Germany, the Czech Republic, Sweden and Switzerland on consecutive days.
– These are the best possible matches available. EHT matches are, however, faster-paced than series games. Tight matches, which we strive to turn into victories, Toivola promised.
Canada and USA have dominated women’s hockey. However, it is difficult to organize practice matches against them. This season too, the giants of the sport will only meet in April at the World Championships in the USA.
– There have been plans to face the North Americans already during the season. It is quite difficult for practical reasons. Let’s see if this can be changed when the Olympics are approaching, Toivola said.
The women’s lion team honors Sanni Hakala
Sanni Hakala a serious injury has drawn dark minds. 26-year-old Hakala crashed into a post in a Swedish hockey league match, and the consequences were tragic. Hakala was paralyzed from the chest down.
Toivola said that the Women’s Lions team will respect in the upcoming tournament. Toivola said at the same time that Hakala was discussed when the Finnish team gathered in Sweden.
– We honor Sanni with helmet stickers. It has been a pleasure to see how Sanni has been supported both in Finland and Sweden, Toivola stated.
Thursday 14.12.
Finland – Germany at 16:30
Friday 15.12.
Finland – Czech Republic at 20:00
Saturday 16.12.
Finland – Sweden at 18:00
Sunday 17.12.
Finland – Switzerland at 13:00