OTTAWA – Ronja Savolainen has shortly come to understand what it’s prefer to play alongside Jocelyn Larocque.
The 28-year-old Ottawa Cost defender is aware of she’s sharing the ice with one of many sport’s most dependable veterans. Whereas she hopes to sooner or later construct a profession as completed as Larocque’s, for now she’s centered on studying from her defence associate each shift.
Now in her second 12 months within the Skilled Ladies’s Hockey League, Savolainen is gaining confidence and luxury and the Cost are reaping the rewards.
The Finnish defenceman jumped into the play and scored on a rebound for Ottawa’s first objective in a 4-2 victory over the Vancouver Goldeneyes on Friday. It’s the sort of play that’s turning into extra pure for Savolainen.
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“She’s actually grown this season,” mentioned Cost assistant coach Haley Irwin. “On the finish of final season, it felt like she was hitting her stride. She’s a giant, tall, sturdy defender, however she will be able to additionally transfer very well.
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“And so when she’s assured in transferring her ft and transferring up the ice, she will be able to actually make a distinction.”
Savolainen credit the 37-year-old Larocque – who was acquired from Toronto simply over a 12 months in the past – for serving to to enhance her sport.
“When she got here to the staff I used to be so pumped as a result of each time I performed towards her I hated to play towards her,” Savolainen mentioned with fun. “She’s so sturdy and she or he’s doing every part proper on the market, so it’s simply wonderful to have her on our staff.”
The respect is mutual.
“I imply, she’s an unimaginable participant,” mentioned Larocque. “She has the dimensions, she’s bodily, she’s acquired an excellent shot, nice imaginative and prescient, defends nicely. I imply she does all of it, proper? So I really like enjoying together with her.”
The pair will face off on the Olympic stage subsequent month.
Larocque was named to the Canadian staff for the Milan Cortina Video games subsequent month. Savolainen will signify Finland.
Whereas Canada and the USA are the favourites to play for gold, Savolainen believes Finland is poised to shock individuals.
“I believe we are able to truly do one thing unimaginable,” she mentioned.
Finland might be seeking to construct off its 2022 Olympic bronze medal.
Each gamers say the launch of the PWHL will have an effect on the worldwide sport as an increasing number of gamers be a part of the league.
Finland’s Olympic roster will function 4 present PWHL gamers and a quantity who’re anticipated to be drafted into the league this spring.
This report by The Canadian Press was first revealed Jan. 9, 2026.
© 2026 The Canadian Press
