IIHF Women’s High Perfor­mance Camp in Vierumäki

The Vierumäki Sports Institute in Finland, 25 kilometres north of Lahti, hosted the traditional IIHF Women’s High Performance Camp, which is attended annually by U18 players from various IIHF member countries.

The IIHF organises the IIHF Women’s High Performance Camp to strengthen co-operation with national associations in women’s ice hockey, promote fair play and respect through international exchange, improve ice hockey skills on and off the ice, highlight mental training and build friendships.

In 2022, a total of 150 participants from 19 different nations came together. 79 ice hockey players – 51 skaters and 28 goaltenders – were coached on and off the ice by 36 coaches.

Due to the reduced number of participants, a goaltender training camp was integrated into the High Performance Camp this year. 28 goaltenders, including Jaqueline Rabl and Karla Emilia Kronberger – two Austrians – took part in the sessions.

In addition to the two goaltenders, the ÖEHV was also represented in Finland by defender Anna Marlene Billa, forwards Leonie Kutzer and Tamina Schall as well as coach Alexandra Gürtler.

Comprehensive ice hockey course

The 51 players were divided into four teams and completed various on-ice sessions, including position-specific training, team training, and four-on-four and three-on-three games.

Off-ice sessions were also on the programme, including gym work and speed, agility and quickness exercises. Meetings covered and discussed topics such as integrity in sport, mental aspects, anti-doping and media training.

Camp sporting director Mel Davidson highlighted the importance of this internationally highly regarded course in the welcome address to the participants: "You are here because you were selected by your countries, you were called upon by your countries to come and you represent your region." Davidson continued: "So come every day with an open mind, ask questions, get to know your teammates and use this opportunity to learn and grow."