Interview with Susanna Tapani
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Time to read 5 min
Few athletes in the world can claim elite status in not one, but three sports. Susanna Tapani is one of them. A standout talent from Finland, she’s carved out a unique path across ice hockey, ringette, and inline hockey—all while representing her country on the world’s biggest stages. With Olympic bronze medals from Pyeongchang 2018 and Beijing 2022, a silver at the 2019 IIHF Women’s World Championship, and multiple club seasons in Finland, Sweden, and Russia, her résumé speaks for itself.
Most recently, Tapani made history as the first Finnish player drafted into the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), suiting up for Boston after a headline-making trade from Minnesota. But beyond the accolades, what makes Tapani truly remarkable is her love of the game, her commitment to staying true to herself, and the way she inspires a new generation of athletes across borders and sports.
We sat down with Susanna to talk about her journey—from childhood dreams to Olympic podiums, from letting go of superstitions to building mental resilience. And to make it even more special, we brought in a few questions straight from the community. Here’s what she had to say.
How is your season going so far?
The season’s gone well so far. The league is super tight—any team can beat anyone—but we’re still in a good position to make the playoffs. There are three games left, and it’s going to be close. Personally, my game has been improving steadily, and I’ve been able to contribute offensively. I’ve really enjoyed my time in Boston.
You’ve been skating since childhood, but what originally drew you to hockey—and what made you stick with it?
I actually started with ringette, which my mom played. My dad and brother were into hockey. One of the boys’ coaches once asked if I wanted to give hockey a try, and I’ve stuck with it ever since. I liked it right away. I still enjoy all kinds of sports but especially being on the ice. That’s definitely one of the reasons hockey kept pulling me in. Ringette and hockey are quite different, but I’ve continued to play both. The variety probably helped me stay in the game this long.
What was your “aha” moment when you realized you had the makings of a pro?
To be honest, I never really dreamed of playing professionally—it didn’t seem like a real possibility back then. As a kid, I dreamed of playing ringette at the Olympics. That dream came true… just in a different sport. Even as I got older, I just loved playing. I wasn’t getting paid, but I still enjoyed every day. That said, I’m incredibly grateful I’ve had the chance to play professionally during my career.
Who had the biggest impact on your goals?
There have been so many people—it’s impossible to name just one. My parents, of course, have supported me from the start. They’re the reason I began playing both ringette and hockey. I’ve also been lucky to have amazing coaches and people who’ve helped me in all kinds of ways.
How does it feel to know you're a role model for young athletes—not just in Finland, but around the world?
I don’t think about it too much, but I’ve always tried to lead by example. I want to show young players that anything’s possible and that there are many paths to the top. I also really believe in playing multiple sports. In the end, I just try to be myself and do things the best I can. If that helps someone along their journey, I’m happy.
You were the first Finnish player drafted into the PWHL. What did that mean to you personally—and for women’s hockey in Finland?
It was a huge honor to be the first Finnish player drafted into the PWHL. I think I’ll appreciate it even more after my career ends and I can look back on how special that moment was. It was also an important step for Finnish women’s hockey. Having a player in this new professional league gave young girls something tangible to dream about. It showed them it’s possible—even from Finland.
In such a decorated career, what’s been the proudest moment so far—and why?
There have been so many proud moments, but if I had to pick one, it would be winning the Olympic bronze medal. Like I said, my childhood dream was to play in the Olympics, and winning a medal there was truly incredible.
What was it like standing on the Olympic podium with the Finnish flag on your shoulders?
It’s hard to put into words. It was an unforgettable experience. I’m incredibly proud of my country, and in that moment, it felt extra special to represent Finland and bring home a medal.
What’s your biggest takeaway from studying sports management—and how have you used that knowledge so far?
Studying sports management gave me a better understanding of how sports organizations work. I’ve worked with a few smaller organizations, but I haven’t had the chance to fully apply what I’ve learned yet. Maybe new doors will open after my playing career.
Injuries, trades, pressure—what have the tough times taught you about yourself?
The biggest lesson has been not to worry about things I can’t control. I also really believe that everything happens for a reason.
You’ve competed under intense pressure—Olympics, Worlds, PWHL games. How do you mentally prepare for those moments?
I’ve worked with a mental coach since the Sochi Olympics. We’ve focused on preparation and building tools to handle pressure. That’s helped a lot, and over time, I’ve also grown mentally. I’m pretty good at tuning out distractions and staying in the moment.
What’s one thing fans might be surprised to learn about your pre-game routine?
Honestly, I don’t have any big pre-game rituals. I like to play spikeball or soccer beforehand—anything that gets me moving and puts me in a good mood. When I was younger, I was very superstitious, but I’ve learned to let go of that over time. Now, I just stick to a few personal routines and try to keep things light. Competing in other sports before games helps me get into the right mindset—I just love to compete, no matter what it is.
You’ve trained in different countries and systems. How have your routines evolved over time?
That’s actually why I let go of my superstitions. Every situation is different, and routines need to be flexible. These days, I just make sure my body’s warm and that I’m mentally in a good place.
When your body’s tired but you still have to show up—what keeps you going?
I’m super competitive. The drive to win always pushes me forward. I might not always feel great going into a game, but I love playing so much that once the puck drops, everything else fades away.
When you’re not training or competing, how do you recharge?
Spending time with family and friends is huge for me. I also enjoy things like ice swimming and relaxing in the sauna—great ways to disconnect from the game.
A fan wants to know: how tight do you tie your skates?
Very tight! I’m really particular about my equipment in general, and my skates are no exception.
Will we see you in Milan 2026?
That’s the goal! I want to be on the team and fighting for medals for Finland.
Perfect Table: If you could have dinner with one person—past or present—who would you choose?
Cristiano Ronaldo—he’s one of my favorite athletes.
What advice would you give a young athlete looking to build a strong foundation—not just physically, but mentally too?
It might sound cliché, but honestly—enjoy every moment and have fun. Hockey isn’t that serious. That mindset has carried me through a lot.
All photo credits go to susannatapani.