HELSINKI – Freshman forward Saana Valkama has been named to the Finnish Women's National Team that will compete in the 2016 IIHF Women's World Championship March 28-April 4, in Kamloops, British Columbia.
 
Valkama was one of the three goaltenders, seven defensemen and 13 forwards named to the roster by head coach Pasi Mustonen on Monday. The roster includes 16 players who won a bronze medal at last year's Women's World Championship.
 
"We are thrilled for Saana to have the opportunity to represent Finland in the World Championships this year," said head coach Jim Plumer. "She has worked extremely hard this year and I know that her time playing in the NCAA has made her a more complete player.  It's always a tremendous honor to wear your country's jersey and I know Saana will make the most of her opportunity in Kamloops."
 
Valkama made her senior national team debut for Finland at the 2012 Women's World Championship, which was hosted by the University of Vermont. She skated in all six games as Finland finished fourth overall. Valkama and Finland defeated former Catamount Klara Myren and Sweden in the quarterfinals of that tournament.
 
She most recently skated for Finland in the 2014 Four Nations Cup which was also contested in Kamloops, British Columbia. Finland finished fourth in the competition after an overtime loss to Sweden.
 
This season at Vermont Valkama was third on the team in scoring with seven goals, the most by a freshman since the 2013-14 campaign. In 35 games this year she had 11 points, including eight in Hockey East play. This past weekend she became the first Catamount in program history to score two goals in a single postseason game in a 4-2 win at Boston University.
 
The Finnish National Team will open camp on March 18 in preparation for a bronze medal game rematch against Russia on March 28 at the Sandman Centre.
 
Finland Women's World Championship Schedule
Monday March 28 – Finland vs. Russia – 6:30 p.m. (ET)
Tuesday March 29 – Finland vs. U.S – 6:30 p.m. (ET)
Thursday March 31 – Finland vs. Canada – 10:30 p.m. (ET)
Friday April 1 – Quarterfinals – TBD
Sunday April 3 – Semifinals – TBD
Monday April 4 – Gold Medal/Bronze Medal Game - TBD

The 2015-16 Vermont women's hockey campaign is brought to you by the Windjammer Restaurant and Inn.