Story Summary
Finland have announced their 28-player squad for the upcoming November international break, with five players from Sweden’s SHL included in the selection ahead of a meeting with Sweden in Helsinki.
Malmö Redhawks defenceman Oliwer Kaski and forward Janne Kuokkanen have both received call-ups, alongside Örebro HK’s Robin Salo, Brynäs IF’s Axel Rindell and Luleå HF’s Markus Nurmi.
The squad brings together players from Finland’s Liiga, Sweden’s SHL, Switzerland’s National League and the Czech Extraliga. It includes three goaltenders, ten defencemen and fifteen forwards.
One notable selection is 20-year-old goaltender Petteri Rimpinen of Kiekko-Espoo, who receives his first senior national-team call-up after being named the best goaltender at the 2025 World Junior Championship, where Finland won silver.
Key Facts
- Finland have selected 28 players for their upcoming international gathering.
- The squad consists of three goaltenders, ten defencemen and fifteen forwards.
- Five players currently representing SHL clubs have been selected.
- Malmö Redhawks contribute Oliwer Kaski and Janne Kuokkanen.
- Robin Salo represents Örebro HK, Axel Rindell plays for Brynäs IF and Markus Nurmi represents Luleå HF.
- Petteri Rimpinen receives his first senior Finland call-up following his impressive 2025 World Junior Championship.
- Finland are scheduled to conclude the international break with a match against Sweden in Helsinki.
IHM Discussion
Finland’s latest selection highlights the depth of European-based talent available to the national-team programme. Rather than concentrating exclusively on domestic players, the coaching staff have assembled a squad representing several of the continent’s strongest professional competitions.
The SHL contingent provides a particularly interesting element. Oliwer Kaski and Robin Salo bring experience from Swedish professional hockey, while Axel Rindell adds another defensive option. Janne Kuokkanen and Markus Nurmi represent the SHL among Finland’s forwards.
Malmö Redhawks have two players involved, with Kaski selected on defence and Kuokkanen among the forwards. Örebro HK, Brynäs IF and Luleå HF each contribute one representative.
Finland’s defensive group also includes Mikko Lehtonen of ZSC Lions, Juuso Riikola of SCL Tigers, Miska Kukkonen of HPK and Mikael Seppälä of Sparta Prague. The combination provides experience across several European leagues.
Switzerland’s National League contributes a significant number of players. Henrik Borgström of Fribourg-Gottéron, Hannes Björninen and Saku Mäenalanen of SCL Tigers, and Juho Lammikko of ZSC Lions are included among the forwards.
Domestic Liiga players remain an important part of the selection. Iiro Pakarinen and Daniel Mäkiaho represent HIFK, Benjamin Rautiainen comes from Tappara, while Kärpät contribute Eemil Erholtz and Eetu Päkkilä.
The selection of Petteri Rimpinen is another important development. The young goaltender attracted attention during Finland’s silver-medal campaign at the 2025 World Junior Championship and now receives an opportunity to join the senior national-team environment.
Rimpinen joins Kari Piiroinen of SaiPa and Kim Saarinen of HPK in the three-man goaltending group.
Finland’s Confirmed National-Team Squad
Goaltenders (3)
- Kari Piiroinen - SaiPa
- Petteri Rimpinen - Kiekko-Espoo
- Kim Saarinen - HPK
Defencemen (10)
- Juuso Arola - JYP
- Anttoni Honka - HC Ajoie
- Oliwer Kaski - Malmö Redhawks
- Miska Kukkonen - HPK
- Mikko Lehtonen - ZSC Lions
- Juuso Riikola - SCL Tigers
- Axel Rindell - Brynäs IF
- Robin Salo - Örebro HK
- Mikael Seppälä - Sparta Prague
- Peetro Seppälä - Lukko
Forwards (15)
- Hannes Björninen - SCL Tigers
- Henrik Borgström - Fribourg-Gottéron
- Eemil Erholtz - Kärpät
- Jere Innala - HC Lugano
- Roby Järventie - HC Ambrì-Piotta
- Janne Kuokkanen - Malmö Redhawks
- Juho Lammikko - ZSC Lions
- Saku Mäenalanen - SCL Tigers
- Daniel Mäkiaho - HIFK
- Markus Nurmi - Luleå HF
- Iiro Pakarinen - HIFK
- Sami Päivärinta - HPK
- Eetu Päkkilä - Kärpät
- Benjamin Rautiainen - Tappara
- Kristian Tanus - HC Ajoie
Why It Matters
Finland’s squad announcement demonstrates the importance of European professional leagues in the country’s international hockey structure.
The five SHL selections underline the continued connection between Finnish national-team hockey and Sweden’s top division. Players competing in the SHL remain part of Finland’s international plans, alongside those representing Liiga and Switzerland’s National League.
The international gathering also provides an opportunity to assess different combinations across the squad. With players arriving from several leagues, the coaching staff can bring together individuals who compete in different tactical environments throughout the club season.
For Petteri Rimpinen, the selection represents an important career milestone. His first senior call-up follows his recognised performances at junior international level and provides exposure to another stage of Finland’s national-team programme.
The upcoming meeting with Sweden adds a competitive international fixture to the gathering and provides a clear conclusion to Finland’s November preparations.
Mini Q&A
Which SHL players have been selected for Finland?
Five SHL players have received call-ups: Oliwer Kaski and Janne Kuokkanen of Malmö Redhawks, Robin Salo of Örebro HK, Axel Rindell of Brynäs IF and Markus Nurmi of Luleå HF.
How many players are included in Finland’s squad?
Finland have announced a 28-player squad consisting of three goaltenders, ten defencemen and fifteen forwards.
Who are Finland’s selected goaltenders?
Kari Piiroinen of SaiPa, Petteri Rimpinen of Kiekko-Espoo and Kim Saarinen of HPK.
Why is Petteri Rimpinen’s call-up significant?
The 20-year-old goaltender receives his first senior national-team selection after being named the best goaltender at the 2025 World Junior Championship, where Finland finished second.
Which European leagues are represented?
The squad includes players from Finland’s Liiga, Sweden’s SHL, Switzerland’s National League and the Czech Extraliga.
Who will Finland face during the international break?
Finland are scheduled to conclude their November gathering with a game against Sweden in Helsinki.
What Comes Next
Finland will bring together their selected players during the first international break of November, with representatives arriving from clubs across several European competitions.
The gathering concludes with a scheduled international meeting against Sweden in Helsinki, giving the newly assembled squad an opportunity to compete together.