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Excitement builds for women’s Olympic hockey tournament in Milan
The women’s Olympic hockey tournament is set to commence in Milan, Italy, on February 5. As Canada and the United States emerge as the favorites, several European teams are eager to challenge the anticipated showdown between these two hockey powerhouses. Czechia, Finland, and Switzerland have made significant strides in recent years and are ready to prove their mettle.
Czechia: A rising force in women’s hockey
Since their Olympic debut four years ago, Czechia has quickly become a competitive contender. The national team celebrated their first twoworld championship medalswith bronze finishes in 2026 and 2026. Their momentum increased when they hosted the championship in 2026, narrowly missing an upset against the United States in the semifinals and ultimately losing to Finland in the bronze medal game.
Leading the charge for Czechia is promising forward Kristýna Kaltounková, the first With an impressive record of 11 goals and 31 penalty minutes in her first 16 professional games, Kaltounková embodies her team’s potential. She underscores their determination, stating, “If I could, I would do anything to be up there and win that gold or silver medal. I’m going to do whatever it takes.”
Impact of increased funding and coaching
Following their Olympic appearance, financial support for women’s hockey in Czechia surged. Daniela Pejšová, a defender for the Boston Fleet, noted that many young girls began playing hockey after witnessing the national team’s achievements. “Girls’ hockey just exploded in Czech,” Pejšová shared. The involvement of head coach Carla MacLeod and general manager Tereza Sadilová has significantly enhanced the team’s respect and performance on the ice.
Alongside Kaltounková, the Czech team will rely on Tereza Vanišová and Kateřina Mrázová for offensive contributions. The captain, Aneta Tejralová, is set to play a crucial role in defensive matchups against elite teams. Watch for 19-year-old Adéla Šapovalivová, who previously led the Under-18 team to a stunning victory over Canada. Kaltounková adds, “You can expect a lot of physicality, a lot of grit. We have a Czech heart; we will fight until the last minute.”
Finland: The underdogs with a strong lineup
Finland’s women’s hockey team is preparing for a strong performance, led by veteran Michelle Karvinen. At 35, she has witnessed a transformation in the sport, particularly with the establishment of the PWHL, which has elevated the level of play. “I think we probably have the best team I’ve ever played on for the Finnish team,” Karvinen expressed, emphasizing the team’s speed and skill.
Finland features four players from the PWHL, including Karvinen, who has made significant strides since joining the league. They will also look to Susanna Tapani and Petra Nieminen for scoring power. Tapani has excelled with eight points in 14 games, while Nieminen leads the SDHL in scoring.
Returning talent and defensive strength
A key player for Finland is captain Jenni Hiirikoski, returning to the national team after undergoing heart surgery. Regarded as one of the world’s elite defenders, her presence will be invaluable. Karvinen reflects on Hiirikoski’s resilience, stating, “For her to come back after all of this shows her heart and character.” Finland’s defense will be bolstered by Ronja Savolainen, known for her strong play in the PWHL.
Switzerland: Aiming for a podium return
Switzerland joins Canada, the U.S., Czechia, and Finland in Group A, where all teams will automatically advance to the quarterfinals. At just 15, Alina Müller earned a bronze medal at the 2014 Sochi Olympics but has yet to see her team return to the podium since then. Now 27, she is determined to help Switzerland reclaim its former glory.
Müller believes that their smaller roster is an advantage, stating, “We know each other inside and out, and we’ve played together for years.” With Müller and fellow PWHL player Nicole Vallario on the lineup, the Swiss team is motivated to secure a medal after narrowly missing out in recent championships.
Defensive strategy and goaltending
Since their Olympic debut four years ago, Czechia has quickly become a competitive contender. The national team celebrated their first twoworld championship medalswith bronze finishes in 2026 and 2026. Their momentum increased when they hosted the championship in 2026, narrowly missing an upset against the United States in the semifinals and ultimately losing to Finland in the bronze medal game.0
Since their Olympic debut four years ago, Czechia has quickly become a competitive contender. The national team celebrated their first twoworld championship medalswith bronze finishes in 2026 and 2026. Their momentum increased when they hosted the championship in 2026, narrowly missing an upset against the United States in the semifinals and ultimately losing to Finland in the bronze medal game.1