Elisa Holopainen, who is playing a great season in the Swedish hockey league, was responsible for Finland’s only hit.
STT Sports,
Hinn Hirvonen
8.11. 18:23•Updated 8.11. 18:53
The women’s national ice hockey team lost a goal to the Czech Republic in the EHT tournament that continued in Södertälje on Friday. Klara Hymlarova and Hana Haasova scored two goals every couple of minutes towards the end of the second period, with which the Czech Republic rose from the chasing position to a 2–1 victory.
Playing a great season in the Swedish SDHL league Elisa Holopainen had before that taken Finland into the lead Susanna Tapani and Delay Vainikan preliminary work.
Finland’s head coach Juuso Toivola was naturally disappointed after the defeat.
– We always have tough games against the Czech Republic. They were strong in the duels today, and that’s where we have to steel ourselves against them and others. We had our own places, the shots were even, so now we just have to sharpen up. We were strong in the attacking areas, we had good scoring opportunities, Toivola commented to Urheilu.
Finland returned to the medal position at last spring’s World Championships in the bronze medal match after the Czech Republic’s winning goal contest. In two previous years, the Czech Republic knocked Finland out in the quarterfinals.
The pack of female lions has a lot of experience in the Swedish EHT tournament, for example PWHL star Tapani, who has been chilling on the edge of the first chain Michelle Karvinen and those going to PWHL Noora Tulusen and Ronja Savolainen in terms of.
The team has also been reformed somewhat, and three first-timers were brought to Södertälje: goalkeeper Salla Sivula and defenders Elli Suoranta and Tuuli Tallinen.
The Swedish EHT tournament is missing a long-term captain Jenni Hiirikoski and hitting goals even in tight spots Petra Nieminen. Toivola didn’t stay behind after the experienced conkers.
– We focus on the players who are here. We don’t need others right now. We focus on supporting and helping them. The first-timers took care of their boxes really well.
Finland started the tournament on Wednesday by beating Switzerland 3–0. Salla Sivula saved a clean sheet in her debut match with the goal of Finland.
On Saturday, the national team will face Sweden in the final match of the tournament. The head coach already had his list of what the team needs to improve.
– Care and confidence on the puck and duel toughness and scoring efficiency, Toivola listed.
Having defeated Sweden in overtime in their first match, the Czech Republic leads the second tournament of the EHT tour. The Czech Republic plays against Switzerland on Saturday.