Ronja Savolainen Bio
Ronja Savolainen (born 29 November 1997) is a Finnish ice hockey defenceman for the Ottawa Charge of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) and a member of the Finnish national ice hockey team. She was drafted eighth overall by the Charge in the 2024 PWHL draft and signed a three-year contract with the club in September 2024. Savolainen has made significant contributions to her teams and has been recognized for her skills on the ice throughout her career.
Early Life and Background
Ronja Savolainen was born in Helsinki, Finland, where she began her journey in ice hockey. As a child, she played in the youth department of Itä-Helsingin Kiekko (IHK) in her hometown, initially playing as a forward before transitioning to defence in her early teens. At the age of 14, she faced challenges while playing on a high-level boys’ team, where she experienced bullying from teammates who believed that girls should not play hockey. This difficult experience almost led her to quit the sport. However, her passion for hockey prevailed, and she continued to pursue her dreams.
Path to Hockey
Savolainen’s early career included playing junior ice hockey with the men’s under-16 team of East Hockey Club (EHC) Red Devil during the 2012–13 season. She made her senior women’s debut with Lohjan Kisa-Veikot (LoKV) in the Naisten Mestis. The following season, at just 16 years old, she began playing in the Naisten SM-sarja (now known as Auroraliiga) with KJT Kerava. Despite being one of the younger players on the team, she made an impact by scoring six points in seven games during her rookie season, helping her team remain in the top flight.
Ronja Savolainen Career
Early Career (2013–2016)
After her successful debut season, Ronja Savolainen signed with the Espoo Blues ahead of the 2014–15 season. During her first regular season with the Blues, she scored six goals and provided 20 assists for a total of 26 points in 25 games. Her performance helped the Blues secure their thirteenth Aurora Borealis Cup victory. She continued to play with the Blues through the 2015–16 season, contributing significantly to the team’s success.
Breakthrough (2016–2024)
In 2016, Savolainen made a pivotal move to the Swedish Women’s Hockey League (SDHL), joining Luleå HF/MSSK. She quickly established herself as a key player, overcoming challenges such as a goalless streak in the 2018–19 season, which she broke with a hat-trick against Göteborg HC. Savolainen’s performance helped Luleå win the SDHL championship title. In the 2019–20 season, she achieved career-best numbers, scoring 20 goals and 41 points, leading all defenders in goals. Her contract with Luleå HF/MSSK expired in April 2024, and she opted to become a free agent.
Notable Works and Milestones
Savolainen’s signature work includes her contributions to Luleå HF/MSSK, where she won multiple championships and set personal records. Her international career highlights include representing Finland at various IIHF World Championships and the Olympic Games.
Ronja Savolainen Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Ronja Savolainen has received recognition for her performances, including nominations for prestigious awards in women’s hockey.
Ronja Savolainen Awards Won
Savolainen has won several awards during her career, including multiple championships with her teams in the Naisten SM-sarja and the SDHL.
Ronja Savolainen Family
Ronja Savolainen is in a relationship with Anna Kjellbin, a fellow hockey player.
Personal Life
Savolainen was diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD in primary school. She has been open about her neurodiversity, crediting her girlfriend Anna Kjellbin for encouraging her to speak publicly about her experiences. In addition to her hockey career, she has partnered with other players to promote awareness around menstruation in women’s sports. Savolainen has also expressed her support for gender equality in sports, advocating for better conditions for female athletes.