Noora Räty

Noora Räty is a Finnish goaltender considered one of the best in women's hockey history, backstopping Finland to multiple Olympic bronze medals and becoming the first woman to play a full season of men's professional hockey (Kiekko-Vantaa).

Noora Helena Räty was born on 29 May 1989 in Espoo, Finland, and developed into the most accomplished goaltender in the history of Finnish women's hockey, playing collegiately for the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers, where she helped the team win multiple NCAA championships. Räty represented Finland at multiple Winter Olympics and IIHF Women's World Championships, becoming renowned for her exceptional shot-stopping ability and helping establish Finland as a consistent medal contender in international women's hockey. Räty made history by becoming the first female goaltender to play professionally in a men's league in China, joining the Kunlun Red Star organisation's KRS Vanke Rays before continuing to compete at an elite level in various domestic leagues. Räty has continued her involvement in the sport as a goaltending coach, most recently with Shenzhen KRS in the Chinese Women's Ice Hockey League, remaining one of the most influential and record-setting goaltenders in the history of the women's game.

Räty is known for her technical precision and calm presence in goal. She combines excellent positioning with quick reflexes and strong puck-handling skills that help her team transition from defense to offense.

Transformed women's goaltending standards and helped elevate Finnish women's hockey on the global stage

• Multiple Olympic bronze medals with Finland
• multiple IIHF Women's World Championship medals
• first woman to play a full pro men's hockey season