A versatile and creative wing, she nonetheless relied on her physical presence to tidy up a rebound in front of the Swiss net and shoot past Riikka Sallinen’s points tally for Finland in World Championship play.
It’s a milestone that took some time to reach. Sallinen retired in 2019 with 60 points. Karvinen matched that total last season in Utica, but admitted it was slightly overwhelming to overhaul such an established milestone.
“It’s a little unbelievable right now,” she said. “I never thought I would get close to this record. Before this tournament, I had no idea it was even close.
“I’m super honoured. I know there have been a lot of other players along the way and they are the reason that I am here. It’s also a big thank you to all of them.”
Karvinen’s World Championship journey began in 2009 in Hameenlinna, Finland. Her first goal arrived 2:14 into her opening game against Kazakhstan. By the end of that game, she had 3 (2+1) points in a 7-0 win.
That first tally was assisted by Jenni Hiirikoski, who also has 60 World Championship points but was unable to play in Ceske Budejovice due to injury. She and Karvinen have regularly been leaders for the Naisleijonat over the years.
“I look up to both Riikka and Jenni so much,” Karvinen added. “It’s great to be mentioned in the same breath as them.
“I’m so sad Jenni can’t be here this year. She’s truly missed on this team.”
But Sallinen was not on that 2009 Finnish team. She was in the midst of a 10-year sabbatical from hockey while she brought up her three children. The country’s three leading scorers would first play together on Team Finland at the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, where Karvinen led the tournament in scoring with 7 (5+2) points.
And Sallinen was a big factor in Karvinen’s career. “She was just inspiring every day,” Karvinen said. “I got to play with her on her comeback after three kids and a 10-year break. That just says it all.
“I’ve never played with anyone who has a heart for hockey like her, the way she lives the game. She is and will always be my idol.”
Meanwhile, Karvinen herself can expect to be an inspiration for the next wave of Finnish players. The national scoring record adds more lustre to an impressive career that includes national championships in four different…
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