Wikipedia - Lukko/PaRa
Lukko/PaRa is an ice hockey team in the Naisten Mestis. They are based in Rauma, a port city on the southwestern coast of Finland, and play at the Eurajoen jäähalli in Eurajoki. The team was formed in May 2024 via a cooperation agreement between Rauman Lukko ry, a minor club affiliated with the Lukko organization, and Panelian Raikas (PaRa).
History
Lukko Naiset
Rauman Lukko Naiset (lit. 'Rauma's Lock Women') was founded in 2011 as the representative women's ice hockey team of the ice hockey and ringette club Rauman Lukko ry – the minor and recreational affiliate of the professional men's ice hockey team Lukko. Lukko Naiset gained promotion to the Naisten Liiga (renamed Auroraliiga in 2024) for the 2016–17 season and remained in the Liiga until being relegated at the conclusion of the 2020–21 season. They achieved promotion in the 2021–22 NSML qualification series and returned to the league after one season in the Naisten Mestis.
The team faced relegation four times in their first five seasons in the Naisten Liiga but were able to save themselves in the qualification series each time, until finally being relegated in the 2020–21 season.
After starting the 2021–22 season in the Naisten Mestis, Lukko earned placement in the Alempi jatkosarja ('Lower division') of the 2021–22 Naisten Liiga season. In the 2022 post-season qualification series, they successfully saved themselves from relegation and maintained their place in the Naisten Liiga in the following season.
Lukko Naiset withdrew from the Naisten Liiga and the team was dissolved in April 2023. Rauman Lukko ry, the team's operating association, cited difficulties in recruiting and retaining players as the principal reasons behind the decision. Lukko Naiset players were not consulted prior to the announcement. Captain Maija Koski was shocked by the announcement and strongly felt that the team could have been saved if avenues of communication had been opened between the association and Lukko Naiset players.
Lukko/PaRa
In May 2024, a Lukko announced a new strategy for girls' and women's ice hockey via partnership with Panelian Raikas (PaRa), an ice hockey club in nearby Panelia. The strategy included the re-establishment of Lukko Naiset as Lukko/PaRa. The team began playing in the 2024–25 Naisten Mestis season, with the goal of being promoted to the Auroraliiga within three seasons. PaRa's existing team in the Naisten Suomi-sarja was renamed PaRa/Lukko and continued in league for the 2024–25 season.
The team is known for their fast-paced and aggressive style of play, with a focus on strong defensive strategies and quick offensive transitions. The players of Lukko Women are dedicated and hardworking, constantly striving to improve their skills and work together as a cohesive unit.
Lukko Women has a loyal fan base that supports them at every game, creating an electric atmosphere in the arena. The team has a history of success in the league, consistently competing for championships and earning respect from their opponents.
Overall, Lukko Women is a powerhouse in Finnish women's ice hockey, known for their talent, determination, and passion for the game.