Saara Kivenmäki

Saara Elisa Kivenmäki (, previously Niemi; born 1 January 1986) is a Finnish ice hockey coach and former player. She has served as head coach of IFK Helsinki in the Auroraliiga since 2018, and as an assistant coach to the Finnish national team since 2021.

Playing career She graduated in 2010 from the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) and was a two-year captain of the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs, the NCAA Division I national champions in 2008 and 2010. She was a 2009 and 2010 WCHA All-Academic Team member, a 2008 All-WCHA Third Team selection and a member of the 2007 All-WCHA Rookie Team.

After graduation, she joined the Minnesota Whitecaps for their 2010–11 season. On 8 October, against former WCHA rival Minnesota Golden Gophers, Tuominen scored a goal. The following day, against former WCHA rival St. Cloud State, she scored a goal.

Persistent knee problems led Kivenmäki to retire from playing at the age of 25.

International play At the 2006 Torino Olympics, Tuominen competed for . scoring one goal and four assists. She was an alternate captain for Finland's women's ice hockey team at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver where the Finns won the bronze medal.

Career statistics Event Goals Assists Points Shots PIM +/- 2010 Winter Olympics 0 1 11 12 −3

Awards and honors 2006 Naisten SM-sarja Best Forward 2008 All-WCHA Third Team 2021 Naisten Liiga Coach of the Year 2023 Naisten Liiga Coach of the Year

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