Finland approaches the 2026 Winter Olympics with legitimate medal expectations built on the foundation of expanded offensive depth. While Canada and the United States remain gold medal favourites, Finland’s roster construction might just suggest they are better equipped than ever to challenge North American dominance.

The evaluation phase has concluded for everyone and Finland’s coaching staff now faces roster optimization decisions. PDub Hockey has analyzed Finland’s recent international deployments and current form to project the 23-player roster that will represent the nation in Milano Cortina.

Forwards

Finland’s current forward group has a significant evolution from previous Olympic cycles. The leadership core will be headed by PWHL veterans Michelle Karvinen and Susanna Tapani, who provide offensive production and playoff experience. Petra Nieminen has been dominant in the SDHL and brings legitimate scoring threat from the wing.

The secondary scoring group has also deepened considerably. Viivi Vainikka, Noora Tulus and Elisa Holopainen form a middle-six unit capable of matching up against top lines while maintaining offensive pressure. Emma Nuutinen showed well in recent international windows and earns a projected spot based on situational versatility.

The bottom-six composition favours a mix of experience and emerging talent. Jennina Nylund, Julia Liikala and Ida Kuoppala provide veteran stability in checking roles. Sanni Vanhanen’s exceptional rookie season at Ohio State has pushed her into roster consideration despite limited international exposure.

Julia Schalin and Sofianna Sundelin round out the projected forward group with two-way capability. Meanwhile, Emilia Vesa remains on the bubble as a veteran depth option, though roster mathematics work against her inclusion.

Defence

Finland’s top-four on defence is established and formidable. Jenni Hiirikoski continues to defy age with intelligent positioning and transition play. Ronja Savolainen brings PWHL experience and offensive instincts.

Nelli Laitinen has emerged as a legitimate shutdown defender at the NCAA level while Sanni Rantala will provide steady defensive structure.

The third pairing might actually present Finland’s primary roster vulnerability. Siiri Yrjölä and Elli Suoranta are projected to fill these roles based on recent deployment patterns, though neither brings significant offensive upside. Krista Parkonnen remains in competition for the final pairing spot.

Lisette Taks will be an interesting wild card as a forward-to-defence convert. Her size and offensive instincts offer tactical flexibility, though her defensive reliability remains a question mark. She is projected as the seventh defender based on her unique skill set.

Goaltending

Finland’s current crease situation lacks the clarity of other roster positions. Sanni Ahola remains the projected starter based on track record, though reduced international usage over the past year raises questions about her current standing. Injury concerns earlier this season have complicated her evaluation.

Emilia Kyrkkö has pushed for playing time and represents the future of Finnish goaltending. Her recent form suggests she could challenge for starter duties or serve as a high-upside backup.

Anni Keisala brings veteran presence and championship experience, of course. At this stage of her career, Olympic participation would serve as a capstone and she is projected as the third goaltender based on experience and reliability though this remains Finland’s most uncertain roster decision.

PDub Hockey projected Team Finland Olympic roster

Forwards:

Elisa Holopainen, Michelle Karvinen, Ida Kuoppala, Julia Liikala, Petra Nieminen, Emma Nuutinen, Jennina Nylund, Julia Schalin, Sofianna Sundelin, Susanna Tapani, Noora Tulus, Viivi Vainikka, Sanni Vanhanen.

Defenders:

Jenni Hiirikoski, Nelli Laitinen, Sanni Rantala, Ronja Savolainen, Elli Suoranta, Lisette Taks, Siiri Yrjölä.

Goaltenders:

Sanni Ahola, Anni Keisala, Emilia Kyrkkö.

Finland’s fair amount of forward depth allows for consistent pressure across four lines, while the defensive structure will prioritize stability. Goaltending, as said, remains the variable that could define Finland’s tournament ceiling.

Whether this roster can deliver Finland’s first Olympic gold will depend on execution under pressure but the talent foundation is stronger than any previous Finnish Olympic team.

Olympic roster projections

Follow along and check out all of PDub Hockey’s 2026 Winter Olympics roster projections here:

Team Canada | Team USA | Team Czechia | Team Sweden | Team Finland