The women's high performance camp has begun in Finland ©IIHF

The 2016 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Women's High-Performance Camp has begun in Finland, with some of the best under-18 players in the world taking part.

Two-hundred-and-sixty people are involved in all, with 123 players among that number in Vierumaki.

Players from the top countries will be mixed into different teams over the course of a week, with the scheme helping to develop relationships across borders.

They will practice together and carry out various tests, both on and off the ice.

Many of the players have the potential to play in the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang in South Korea.

They will receive skills training and also education in nutrition and anti-doping through classroom sessions.

Former top level players and coaches are on hand to assist, including long-time Canadian national team coach Melody Davidson.

IIHF Council member Zsuzsanna Kolbenheyer, who also chairs the IIHF Women's Committee, officially opened the camp yesterday evening.

Some of the best young female players in the world have attended the camp ©Francois Laplante/HHOF-IIHF Images
Some of the best young female players in the world have attended the camp ©Francois Laplante/HHOF-IIHF Images

 “It’s a really great place to be and I hope you’ll really enjoy being here," she told the participants. 

"Take the best out of it."

The most recent IIHF Women's Under-18 World Championship was held in St Catharines in Canada in January.

United States upset the hosts by beating them 3-2 after overtime in the gold medal game.

Sweden beat Russia 2-1 for bronze.