Kiekko-Espoo Naiset
Kiekko-Espoo Naiset are an ice hockey team in the Naisten Liiga. They play in the Tapiola district of Espoo, Finland at the harjoitusareena ('training arena') of the Tapiolan urheilupuisto. The team was founded as Espoon Kiekkoseura or EKS in 1989 and has also been known as Espoo Blues Naiset and Espoo United Naiset during its tenure in the Naisten Liiga. Kiekko-Espoo have won the Aurora Borealis Cup as the Finnish Champions in women's ice hockey sixteen times, six more wins than any other team in league history; at least one Finnish Championship medal (gold, silver, or bronze) was won under each of the four names.
| Kiekko-Espoo Naiset | |
|---|---|
| City | Espoo, Finland |
| League | Naisten Liiga |
| Founded | 1989 |
| Home arena | Tapiolan harjoitusareena |
| Colours | Navy, gold, blue |
| Owner(s) | Kiekko-Espoo Oy |
| General manager | Emma Terho |
| Head coach | Sami Haapanen |
| Captain | Reetta Valkjärvi |
| Affiliates | Kiekko-Espoo Akatemia Kiekko-Espoo Challenger |
| Website | Official website |
| Franchise history | |
| 1989–1992 | Espoon Kiekkoseura (EKS) |
| 1992–1998 | Kiekko-Espoo |
| 1998–2016 | Espoo Blues |
| 2016–17 | Espoo United |
| 2017–2019 | Espoo Blues |
| 2019– | Kiekko-Espoo |
| Championships | |
| Aurora Borealis Cup | 16 (1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2022) |
| Current season | |
The parent club, Kiekko-Espoo Oy, also has a representative men's ice hockey team in the Mestis, a representative ringette team in the Ringeten SM-sarja, and active sections in minor and junior ice hockey and youth ringette.