Finnish Ice Hockey Association
The number of young women in the junior level increased slowly, from 500 players at the beginning to approximately 2000 today. The growth rate was not satisfactory, so the Finnish Ice Hockey Association decided to invest in development of women's ice hockey by supporting leagues. The number of teams considerably increased: there are now 12 teams in the Women's 1st Division, is Naisten Mestis (second level after the Naisten Liiga).