The Finnish women's ice hockey team, known as the Women's Lions, is gearing up for their Olympic opener against the USA, scheduled for Saturday at 5:40 PM. A significant question leading up to the match was the number of players that would ultimately be available to take the ice, given recent health issues within the team. Prior to the game, it was confirmed that the entire roster had arrived, contrasting starkly with the previous day’s practice, which had seen only 14 players and just 10 players on Thursday, all due to a highly contagious norovirus that has swept through the team.

The emergence of the norovirus has had a serious impact on the team's preparation, causing widespread illness among players, which is a critical concern for any competitive team heading into a major tournament. The urgency for a full roster underscores the challenges they face against one of their strongest opponents, the USA, who are heavy favorites in this matchup. Historically, Finland has only triumphed over the USA once in international competitions, back in 2008, and odds for a Finnish victory are estimated at a mere one percent, highlighting the uphill battle they face.

With the opener against the USA about to commence, the Women's Lions aim to overcome their recent adversities and seize the opportunity to perform at their best on the Olympic stage. Their following match against the Czech Republic will further test their resilience as they navigate this difficult competition. The health of the players and the ability to field a complete team will be crucial for their chances in these early rounds of the tournament.