The Women’s Euro Hockey Tour (WEHT) wrapped up the first leg of its 2026-27 season recently and featured many WCHA standouts. The international tournament took place from Aug. 19 to 22 in Kloten, Switzerland. The 4-Nations Tournament featured Czechia, Finland, Sweden and Switzerland. The four teams played three games each, with Sweden being the only team to win two games.
The WCHA was well represented among the four countries, seeing transfers and current and former players lighting the lamp throughout the week. Finland had eight current WCHA players on their roster, while Sweden had five. Eight alumni were also present.
With so much WCHA talent on display, it was easy to spot the best players from the conference who took part in this first event. We’ll take a look at some current players, one incoming transfer, and an alum that shined in Switzerland.
Hilda Svensson – Sweden – Ohio State
Ohio State’s Hilda Svensson, WCHA Rookie of the Year and Julie Chu Co-Rookie of the Year, stood out in Kloten. The 20-year-old recorded 4 points (3 goals, 1 assist) to help Sweden to a 2-1 record.
In her first collegiate season, Svensson finished with 50 points, collected two Rookie of the Year awards, and played in the NCAA championship game. She represented Sweden at the 2026 Olympics as well.
Svensson will return to the Buckeyes for the second year of her college career. After the stellar rookie season she put together and the international experience she has accumulated, we may see her in the Frozen Four again.
Sanni Vanhanen – Finland – Ohio State
Finland didn’t have the best WEHT outing this time around. They finished with an 0-2-1 record but did see some good on-ice performances. Ohio State’s Sanni Vanhanen recorded 2 goals and an assist to help a Finnish national team that has struggled since the Olympics.
The 21-year-old is a two-time Olympian, played in the SDHL, and is entering her second season with the Buckeyes. Last year, the left-shot forward recorded 29 points in 35 games. Her year included helping Ohio State to the WCHA regular-season title, another appearance in the National Championship game, and 2 points at the 2026 Olympics.
Vanhanen, along with Svensson, can continue to contribute to an incredibly talented Buckeyes team that hasn’t quite gotten over that championship game hump just yet.
Honorable Ohio State mention: Mira Jungåker – Sweden
Mira Jungåker finished the WEHT with 2 points in three games on a stacked Swedish team. The defender is entering her third season with Ohio State and last year recorded 25 points in 29 games. She missed some time when she went to Italy for the Olympics. We’ll see how much more offense Jungåker can add to her game when next season starts up in late September.
Tereza Plosová – Czechia – Minnesota
University of Minnesota forward Tereza Plosová also finished with 2 points — but on a Czechia team that won only one game, she deserves her flowers. Czechia had more pro players than college players on the roster in Kloten, so getting on the board is great for Plosová’s game.
The Gopher finished her first college season with 19 points in 33 games. She also missed time due to the Olympics, where she recorded 1 point in five appearances. Minnesota’s fresh start with a new head coach and new players could translate into a better season in 2026-27. Plosová can hopefully be part of the group that propels the Gophers back to success.
Julia Schalin – Finland – Minnesota (transfer)
Minnesota will also soon welcome forward Julia Schalin. The Finnish Olympian is joining the team after transferring from Mercyhurst. At the WEHT, she notched 3 points in three games. Schalin’s play throughout the tournament was a much-needed contribution to Finland’s offense.
Her 3 points came from a goal and 2 assists. Dishing out helpers is the most noticeable part of Schalin’s game. In her two years with the Lakers, she recorded 40 assists. On a new team, that part of her game will complement the Gophers. Could she add more goal-scoring to her game? Yes — but her ability to find the perfect teammate to shoot is incredible. Five Gophers had more than 22 assists last season, but four of them aren’t returning for 2026-27. Schalin will be a great addition to the team.
Thea Johansson – Sweden – Minnesota Duluth (alum)
UMD alum and Vancouver Goldeneyes draft pick Thea Johansson is having a summer. She scored 1 goal and recorded 2 assists at the WEHT. Her 3 points in three games are great for a forward preparing for her first pro season in North America.
Johansson is also an Olympian. She made her debut in February and recorded 7 points in seven games. She finished her collegiate career with Minnesota Duluth after three years with Mercyhurst. In what can only be described as a lackluster season from the Bulldogs, Johansson was a bright spot with 23 points in 30 games.
She’s also under contract with HV71 of the SDHL in the fall before the PWHL kicks off. The WEHT and her upcoming play with HV71 are great teasers for what Johansson can put together with the Goldeneyes. Having started playing for HV71 at the age of 14, she’s now returning to the team with much more experience. Johansson will be entering PWHL training camp a well-rounded player.
Final thoughts
While many WCHA players past and present took part in the WEHT, these six stood out. They all contributed goals and assists before many of them head back to college.
The NCAA season start varies depending on team — some play on September 18, but most debut on September 25. Stay tuned to the NCAA side of The Ice Garden as we roll out previews and more before the start of the season.
The next leg of the WEHT takes place Sept. 30 through Oct. 3 in Lahti, Finland, featuring all four teams.
Check out The IX Sports newsletter to see other standouts from the WEHT.
