Riikka Sallinen
Inducted:
2022
Player Stats
Stats:
1.63 m (5 ft 4 in)
60 kg (132 lb; 9 st 6 lb)
Born:
12 June 1973
Jyväskylä, Finland
Position:
Centre
College:
NA
Riikka Sallinen is widely regarded as one of the greatest female hockey players of all time. Representing Finland, her career spanned nearly three decades, including two remarkable comebacks. Sallinen was known for her skillful playmaking, intelligent positioning, and ability to perform in high-pressure moments.
She played professionally in Finland and Sweden and represented the Finnish national team in seven IIHF World Championships and four Olympic Games.
She made history in 2019 by becoming the oldest player to win a medal in Olympic ice hockey and was the first European woman inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2022.
Her commitment to the sport and longevity continue to inspire generations of players around the world.
Sallinen's Awards and Records
- First European woman inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame (2022)
- Olympic Bronze Medals – 1998, 2018
- IIHF World Championship Medals – 6 Bronze, 1 Silver
- Named Best Forward – IIHF Worlds (1994)
- Inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame (2010)
- Oldest Olympic ice hockey medalist (age 44)
Teams
EVU Vantaa 1988-89
JYP Jyväskylä 1989-92
Shakers Kerava 1993-94
KalPa Kuopio 1995-96
JYP 1997-2000, 2013-2016
Limhamn HK 2002-03
IF Troja/Ljungby 2016-17
HV71 2017-19
Numbers Worn:
13
Career Stats
Playing career
1988–2003, 2013–2019
Seasons:
11
Games Played:
135
Goals:
201
Assists:
194
Points:
395
Penalty Minutes:
52