GRAND FORKS, N.D. – With all the pomp and circumstance surrounding the Olympics, there wasn't any special ceremony for the naming of the best players selected by the Directorate as UND's Michelle Karvinen found out.

After scoring five goals in six games with Team Finland, Karvinen was named the Best Forward of women's hockey at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games. However, Karvinen had to find out about the honor through social media.

“Max Markowitz and I landed in New York and we were looking for the score of the U.S.-Canada game on our phones, and all of a sudden, he turns around and gives me a hug and congratulates me.” Karvinen said. “I didn't expect it at all. I was a bit surprised, but I'm very honored to receive it.”

The senior from Rodovre, Denmark, is the first non-Canadian to be named the Best Forward of the women's tournament. Hayley Wickenheiser earned the honors in back-to-back Olympics in 2002 and 2006, and Meghan Agosta picked up the honor in 2010.

In addition to Karvinen being named the tournament's top forward, Finland's Jenni Hiirikoski was named Best Defenseman by the Directorate.

“I think it reflects on the progress that we've made with the Finnish team,” Karvinen said. “It also shows how much the European teams have advanced since the last Olympics.”

Karvinen's five goals and seven points led all skaters at the 2014 Olympics. She also averaged 24:19 of ice time through the six games for Finland.

There was also a familiar face on Team Finland helping Karvinen. UND teammate Susanna Tapani recorded five points, with one goal and four assists, while skating on Karvinen's line.

“Any individual award in hockey is great, but I wouldn't have been able to do any of it without my linemates and teammates,” Karvinen said. “I was fortunate to have such great supports around me with Team Finland.”