The Finnish Ice Hockey Association has approved the implementation of partial body checking in women's ice hockey, beginning with the 2026-27 Aurora League season. This decision, taken by the board of the association, was based on a proposal from the Aurora League. According to Olli Salo, the director of coaching and high-performance sports at the Finnish Ice Hockey Association, this rule change aims to accelerate the game and align the rules with those of other professional leagues such as the PWHL in North America and the SDHL in Sweden.

The reform is significant as it represents a major evolution in the competitive atmosphere of women's ice hockey in Finland. The Aurora League is the top women's ice hockey league in the country, and the introduction of body checking, albeit in a partial manner, is expected to enhance the physicality and pace of the game. However, it is important to note that this rule change will not apply to international tournament events, where players must adhere to the rules set by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) that currently prohibit body checking.

Under the new guideline, players will be permitted to use their bodies to guide opponents and separate them from the puck. This allows players who make body contact while moving in the same direction as the puck carrier to do so without facing penalties, which could lead to more dynamic and engaging gameplay. With these changes, the Aurora League aims to promote a more exciting and competitive environment for fans and athletes alike, while still ensuring that safety measures are prioritized in line with international standards.