And in each case, Tapani has represented her country and brought home honours after doing so.

At the Four Nations tournament in November, which was the biggest test for the top women’s ice hockey team before the Olympics, Tapani was an active presence throughout the tournament for Finland, scoring a goal and assist in four games. In 2017, the 24-year-old Tapani has established herself as a key contributor for the national team.

Tapani was instrumental in helping Finland win bronze at the 2017 IIHF Ice Hockey Women’s World Championship. She led the team in scoring with three goals and nine points, which tied her for third in tournament scoring.

Tapani was never better than helping Finland to a 4-3 win over Canada in the tournament on 1st April. It was the first time in IIHF competition that Finland’s women defeated Canada, going back to 1990. She scored Finland’s third goal of the game and added two assists.

“It was a really big thing for us knowing that we beat them and that it was possible for us to do something like that,” Tapani said. “The win against Canada was motivation for us to believe we can do that. We have to win the right games.”

Since joining the national team in 2011, Tapani has won three bronze medals and believes Finland is getting closer to taking the next logical step in international competition. Securing a spot in a gold medal game at the World Championships and Olympics drives Tapani and her team.

“That’s our big dream to that we are going to be in the finals one day. That’s why we play the game and what motivates us.”

In Korea she will enjoy her second Olympic experience. The Winter Olympics offer yet another opportunity to build on what she’s accomplished so far and build on her emergence as a key player.

“Last time was my first time at the Olympics. It will be different now. I didn’t know what to expect but feel different having done it. After three years of waiting for this opportunity, we have the confidence and I can’t wait.”

Tapani’s experience at the Four Nations Cup has been a good one. Finland’s overtime win against Sweden assured a third-place finish and some momentum for the national team heading into 2018.

“It is really important for us to be a part of this tournament. Usually we play against Sweden and other European countries so this is the only tournament we play Canada and the USA so this is really big for us.”

Still, there is work to be done. If anything, the Four Nations Cup offers Tapani and her team some insight as to what can be worked on.

“Our power play was not that good. We have to score when we have those chances. Offensive play needs to pick up too.”

Tapani keeps an active schedule. After the Four Nations Cup had wrapped up, she was back in North America for the World Ringette Championships and then Korean for the Olympics and, finally, the inline hockey next summer. She’s twice been part of a World Championship winning ringette team and an inline medallist.

“I’m pretty busy with sports. I just love these sports so I’ll just keep playing every day. I would not be here if I didn’t play ringette. Same with inline hockey. Whatever sport I play I get into.”