Finland proved Czechia has yet to fully pass them on the World stage as they defeated the hosts 4-2 in front of a packed and raucous crowd of 5,859.
Germany beat Norway 5-2 in the other game of the day, keeping themselves in the mix for top spot in Group B. With four European nations in action on the day, there were a number of PWHL players and implications in action. Here's a look.
1. Mrazova isn't 100%
Don't fool yourself, Katerina Mrazova is still playing through her injury, and she has yet to return to 100%. Czechia gave her a rest day against USA, and she was able to play more against Finland than she did in the tournament opener, but Mrazova is simultaneously attempting to lift her nation to the podium at the 2025 IIHF World Championships, heal, and prepare to return to the PWHL later this month.
2. The PWHL has hurt European nations this year
Canada and USA look deeper and stronger. Europe's top teams don't. And there's a clear reason for that. Many of the top players on European nations are shaking off rust from sitting on the bench, or in the stands for much of the season. Noora Tulus had her best game of the tournament in Finland's third game. She's been buried on the New York Sirens, and it's not clear why. Her play this week has shown what she's capable of, and the New York Sirens would be wise to utilize the Finnish forward more. Czechia had to manage the return of Klara Peslarova. She hasn't played a full league game this year appearing in only a single game in relief with the Boston Fleet. Czechia sat Peslarova in game two to avoid the added risk of injury and fatigue from their long time starter being out of game shape. It showed in her game against Finland after a stellar tournament opening game. Peslarova is a top goaltender globally, but like any goalie, she needs repetitions. It's been an issue across the board where European players have not received similar opportunities in the PWHL. Daniela Pejsova is another who looks like she's taken a small step back this year in the PWHL. Boston dumped Sophie Jaques last year and she flourished. The best thing for Pejsova might be to move to a team willing to invest in her development as well. The rust was evident for many European players including Klara Hymlarova and Noemi Neubauerova who haven't played a ton this year in the PWHL. The PWHL will either need to expand, invest in player development coaches to help European players with the transition, or accept the fact European players will soon stop coming to the league.
3. Kalty is the real deal
Kristyna Kaltounkova, nicknamed "Kalty," is the real deal. If Abbey Murphy does not declare for the 2025 PWHL Draft, it would not be surprising to see Kaltounkova go first overall. She'll be in the mix alongside defender Haley Winn when draft day roles around. She's proven herself a capable two way forward who can block shots, win draws, and is a dangerous shooter. Her impact on Czechia has been evident, and her game looks like a perfect match for the PWHL. Another player in today's games who has taken noticeable steps in their game is Elisa Holopainen. She looks stronger and more willing to go to difficult spaces. With another year under her belt in the SDHL, Holopainen should be ...
