Wikipedia - Auroraliiga
The Auroraliiga is the national premier league for women's ice hockey in Finland. Founded by the Finnish Ice Hockey Association as the Naisten SM-sarja (NSMs; lit. 'Women's Finnish Championship series') in 1982, it was known as the Naisten Liiga (NSML;lit. 'Women's League') from 2017 until being rebranded as Auroraliiga in 2024. The league comprises approximately 225 players across nine teams.
Kiekko-Espoo has been the dominating force of the Auroraliiga in the 21st century, winning sixteen Finnish Championships from 1999 to 2022. Tampereen Ilves is the second most successful club in league history, with ten championship titles. Ilves are the only organization to have iced a team in every season since the league's inception.
A majority of teams in Auroraliiga share their names with men's professional teams in the Liiga or Mestis – HIFK, HPK, Ilves, KalPa, Kiekko-Espoo, Kärpät, Lukko, RoKi, TPS – but the women's teams have historically received few resources and limited promotion from the affiliated men's clubs. In recent years progress has been made in building better relationships between the men's and women's teams; most men's clubs now provide some support to their women's counterparts by advertising games together or helping secure sponsorships.
The tournament is known for its fast-paced and intense gameplay, with players demonstrating exceptional speed, agility, and precision on the ice. The matches are filled with thrilling moments, as the teams battle it out to score goals and outmaneuver their opponents. The atmosphere in the arenas is electric, with passionate fans cheering on their favorite teams and creating an unforgettable experience for both players and spectators.
The Finland Naisten Liiga Women not only provides a platform for top-level competition but also serves as a breeding ground for future stars of women's ice hockey. Many players who have participated in this tournament have gone on to represent Finland at international events, showcasing the high level of talent nurtured within the league.
In addition to the on-ice action, the tournament also promotes inclusivity and gender equality in sports. It serves as an inspiration for young girls and women who aspire to pursue a career in ice hockey, breaking down barriers and stereotypes.
Overall, the Finland Naisten Liiga Women is a thrilling and highly competitive ice hockey tournament that showcases the best of women's ice hockey in Finland. It is a celebration of skill, determination, and passion for the sport, captivating audiences and leaving a lasting impact on the ice hockey community.