photo: © International Ice Hockey Federation / Tim Austen
Imagine, if you will, that it's April 2004. Usher is dominating the charts on both sides of the Atlantic, the third installment of the Harry Potter film series is about to hit theaters, and in Nova Scotia, Canada, the world's best female hockey players are gathering for the IIHF Women's World Championship.
Twenty-two years later, most of those players have long since retired. Only one is still playing and still at the Worlds.
Jenni Hiirikoski.
At 39, playing in her 17th Women's World Championship, the Finnish captain is still logging big minutes on Finland's blueline. And when she takes the ice against Canada in Finland's final preliminary-round game at the 2026 tournament in Denmark, she'll become the first woman to play 100 games at the Women's Worlds.
She already holds the all-time games record. Now she's taking it into uncharted territory.
“Really? I didn't know it comes now,” she says, smiling. “It sounds like a lot.”
“It's an honor to get to play that many games in Finland's jersey."
To put her career into perspective, let's look back at the 2004 tournament again. Jennifer Botterill, the leading scorer, is now a celebrated broadcaster. Jayna Hefford, who finished second in scoring, is the Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations in the PWHL.
The top seven scorers from that tournament have all been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, a likely destination for Hiirikoski, too.
If she ever retires, that is.
Hiirikoski has long since earned legendary status. She's a seven-time World Championship Best Defender and a four-time All-Star Defender. She's also been named Best Defender at the Olympics twice.
“Nothing beats being an athlete and, in my case, a hockey player, and getting to do this every day. I've really loved doing it, and I'm grateful that I still get to be here and represent Finland,” she says, wearing the blue-and-white Finnish jersey with a C on her chest.
But it hasn't always been smooth sailing.
A few years ago, an opponent's skate cut her throat in a playoff game in Sweden. Later, heart problems kept her out of action for months. And when she made her comeback at the Olympics in Milan, she broke her hand blocking a shot.
After that, being back at the Worlds means that much more.
“I really appreciate every single minute I get to be out there, and I'm just trying to enjoy it. We have an awesome team, and it's nice to be around these girls,” she says.
In more than two decades at the highest level, Hiirikoski has experienced just about everything hockey can offer. There have been medals and memorable victories, but also setbacks and disappointments.
When she made her World Championship debut in 2004, she was just 17, a young defender taking her first steps on the international stage.
“I remember those first games. It was truly valuable to be a part of that team and see how much hard work you have to put in to win a medal. I've tried to use those lessons throughout my career,” she says.
“Of course, there have also been many disappointments, which have made me try even harder. And the 2019 tournament [where Finland played in the final] in Finland was incredible. Those weeks with the team, and feeling the support of the Finns, were unforgettable.”
Right now, Hiirikoski is happy to be where she is, being part of the team and playing hockey at the highest level
“The secret? Maybe it's that I still love to play and get better, and to be able to test myself against others and try to be the best I can. That's probably it.”
A hundred down, more to come.
Twenty-two years later, most of those players have long since retired. Only one is still playing and still at the Worlds.
Jenni Hiirikoski.
At 39, playing in her 17th Women's World Championship, the Finnish captain is still logging big minutes on Finland's blueline. And when she takes the ice against Canada in Finland's final preliminary-round game at the 2026 tournament in Denmark, she'll become the first woman to play 100 games at the Women's Worlds.
She already holds the all-time games record. Now she's taking it into uncharted territory.
“Really? I didn't know it comes now,” she says, smiling. “It sounds like a lot.”
“It's an honor to get to play that many games in Finland's jersey."
To put her career into perspective, let's look back at the 2004 tournament again. Jennifer Botterill, the leading scorer, is now a celebrated broadcaster. Jayna Hefford, who finished second in scoring, is the Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations in the PWHL.
The top seven scorers from that tournament have all been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, a likely destination for Hiirikoski, too.
If she ever retires, that is.
Hiirikoski has long since earned legendary status. She's a seven-time World Championship Best Defender and a four-time All-Star Defender. She's also been named Best Defender at the Olympics twice.
“Nothing beats being an athlete and, in my case, a hockey player, and getting to do this every day. I've really loved doing it, and I'm grateful that I still get to be here and represent Finland,” she says, wearing the blue-and-white Finnish jersey with a C on her chest.
But it hasn't always been smooth sailing.
A few years ago, an opponent's skate cut her throat in a playoff game in Sweden. Later, heart problems kept her out of action for months. And when she made her comeback at the Olympics in Milan, she broke her hand blocking a shot.
After that, being back at the Worlds means that much more.
“I really appreciate every single minute I get to be out there, and I'm just trying to enjoy it. We have an awesome team, and it's nice to be around these girls,” she says.
In more than two decades at the highest level, Hiirikoski has experienced just about everything hockey can offer. There have been medals and memorable victories, but also setbacks and disappointments.
When she made her World Championship debut in 2004, she was just 17, a young defender taking her first steps on the international stage.
“I remember those first games. It was truly valuable to be a part of that team and see how much hard work you have to put in to win a medal. I've tried to use those lessons throughout my career,” she says.
“Of course, there have also been many disappointments, which have made me try even harder. And the 2019 tournament [where Finland played in the final] in Finland was incredible. Those weeks with the team, and feeling the support of the Finns, were unforgettable.”
Right now, Hiirikoski is happy to be where she is, being part of the team and playing hockey at the highest level
“The secret? Maybe it's that I still love to play and get better, and to be able to test myself against others and try to be the best I can. That's probably it.”
A hundred down, more to come.