Opening Day in Kloten
The Women's Euro Hockey Tour opened in Kloten, Switzerland, where Finland secured a 3‑1 victory over Czechia in front of a modest but enthusiastic crowd.
Finland struck first when Emmi Juusela converted a pass from Julia Schalin in the opening period, establishing an early lead that set the tone for the match.
Czechia answered with a power‑play marker from Adéla Šapovalivová, narrowing the gap to 2‑1, but Finland restored the two‑goal margin when Viivi Vainikka capped the scoring in the third period, sealing the final 3‑1 result.
Switzerland’s Winning Formula
Later the same day, Switzerland opened its campaign with a 4‑2 triumph over Sweden, a contest that saw Alina Müller net twice in the second period to swing momentum in her team’s favor.
Sweden had taken an early lead through Mira Jungåker’s wrist shot, but Switzerland responded swiftly with goals from Naemi Herzig and Lara Stalder, while Müller’s second strike sealed a comfortable win.
The matches also marked new beginnings for coaches Brian Idalski, who made his debut at the helm of Czechia, and Shannon Miller, whose first win as Switzerland’s head coach underscored the tactical shifts underway.
Both results highlight Finland’s ongoing struggle to generate offense after the Olympics and suggest that Switzerland’s blend of veteran poise and emerging talent could make them a dark horse in the tournament.