The inaugural Women’s Euro Hockey Tour (WEHT) unfolded in the Swiss town of Kloten from August 19 to 22, gathering the continent’s elite women’s teams in a compact but intense competition. Sixteen teams from four nations — Czechia, Finland, Sweden and Switzerland — battled across a schedule that blended round‑robin play with high‑stakes match‑ups, setting the stage for a new benchmark in European women’s hockey.
Sweden’s commanding performance
Sweden emerged as the tournament’s most consistent force, securing two victories out of three games and finishing with a 2‑1 record. The Swedish side combined veteran poise with fresh talent, a blend that proved decisive against both Finland and Czechia. Their ability to convert chances into goals was evident in the way Hilda Svensson, a standout from Ohio State, contributed four points — three goals and an assist — while also anchoring the defensive transition.
Finland and Czechia, despite fielding strong rosters, struggled to find rhythm. Finland’s Sanni Vanhanen, a two‑time Olympian and Ohio State alum, managed two goals and an assist, but the team fell to a 0‑2‑1 record. Czechia’s Tereza Plosová, representing Minnesota University, added two points for her side, yet the squad could only claim a single win before exiting the competition.
Key individual contributions
Beyond Svensson’s heroics, several other players left a noticeable imprint. Mira Jungåker, also an Ohio State product, logged two points across three games for Sweden, underscoring the depth of talent on the Swedish roster. Julia Schalin, a Finnish transfer who moved from Mercyhurst to Minnesota, tallied three points — one goal and two assists — showcasing her playmaking ability. Thea Johansson, a former Minnesota Duluth standout, contributed a goal and two assists for Sweden, positioning herself for a promising professional debut with HV71.
The tournament also highlighted the growing pipeline between collegiate hockey and international play. With 21 PWHA players participating and multiple camp invites confirmed, the event served as a proving ground for athletes who will soon return to NCAA programs as the new season kicks off in late September. Teams across the four nations are slated to begin their campaigns as early as September 18, with others following on September 25.
Looking ahead to Lahti
The next leg of the Women’s Euro Hockey Tour is scheduled for September 30 to October 3 in Lahti, Finland, where all four participating nations will reconvene. The Finnish hosts will benefit from home‑ice advantage, and the Finnish roster — featuring eight current WCHA players and eight alumni — aims to translate that experience into a stronger showing. For the Swedish contingent, the Lahti tournament offers a chance to build on their early success and fine‑tune strategies ahead of the upcoming NCAA season.