PLYMOUTH, Mich. – University of Vermont sophomore defenseman Sammy Kolowrat and forward Saana Valkama have been named to the Czech Republic and Finnish national teams, respectively, that will be competing at the 2017 IIHF Women's World Championship from March 31-April 7 at USA Hockey Arena.
 
RELATED LINKS
2017 Women's World Championship Website
Full Schedule
Rosters: Finland | Czech Republic

Kolowrat appeared in 35 games this past season for the Catamounts, notching a goal and assisting on four others. Most recently, she skated for her home country at the IIHF Olympic qualifiers in Arosa, Switzerland, lighting the lamp once and being named Most Outstanding Defenseman at the tournament's conclusion. She made her senior national team debut at the 2013 Women's World Championship in Ottawa, Ontario.
 
The Prague native is one of four skaters on the roster representing Hockey East schools, joining Denisa Krížová (Northeastern) along with Maine's Vendula Pribylová and Tereza Vanišová. Coached by Jiri Vozak, the group also includes Michaela Pejzlová of Clarkson, which captured the NCAA National Championship on March 19.
 
Valkama also played in 35 games at UVM during her sophomore campaign, amassing 24 points on seven goals and a team-best 17 assists. She was selected to represent Finland in last year's World Championship in British Columbia, where her team finished fourth. She appeared on the senior national team at the 2012 Women's World Championship, hosted by the University of Vermont.
 
Originally from Pirkkala, Finland, Valkama is among five players from NCAA programs and is the lone member of the team from a Hockey East school. Anna Kilponen, Emma Nuutinen and Vilma Tanskanen from North Dakota will lace up in addition to Suvi Ollikainen (St. Cloud State). Pasi Mustonen will serve as head coach.
 
Team Czech Republic Schedule
Friday, March 31 – Czech Republic vs. Switzerland (Noon ET)
Saturday, April 1 – Czech Republic vs. Germany (Noon ET)
Monday, April 3 – Czech Republic vs. Sweden (6 p.m. ET)
Tuesday, April 4 – Quarterfinals – TBD
Thursday, April 6 – Semifinals – TBD
Friday, April 7 – Gold Medal/Bronze Medal Game – TBD
 
Team Finland Schedule
Friday, March 31 – Finland vs. Russia (4 p.m. ET)
Saturday, April 1 – Finland vs. Canada (7:35 p.m. ET)
Monday, April 3 – Finland vs. United States (7:35 p.m. ET)
Tuesday, April 4 – Quarterfinals – TBD
Thursday, April 6 – Semifinals – TBD
Friday, April 7 – Gold Medal/Bronze Medal Game – TBD
 
The Windjammer and Upper Deck Pub is the presenting sponsor of the 2016-17 women's hockey season