It is named after Tuula Puputti, the first Olympic goaltender of the Finnish women's national team and former general manager of the Finnish women's national ice hockey program. Best goaltender in the Naisten SM-saija was first awarded in the 2005–06 season, to Maija Hassinen-Sullanmaa (née Hassinen) of Ilves Tampere. The award was named in honor of Tuula Puputti during the 2010–11 season.[1]
Only three players have won the award more than once: Maija Hassinen-Sullanmaa, Anni Keisala, and Meeri Räisänen. Räisänen has been named best goaltender three times, twice with JYP Jyväskylä, in 2012–13 and 2013–14, and with HPK Hämeenlinna in 2017–18. The record for most wins is four and is jointly held by Hassinen-Sullanmaa and Keisala. Hassinen-Sullanmaa won the trophy in 2005–06 and 2007–08 with Ilves Tampere and in 2008–09 and 2010–11 with HPK Hämeenlinna. Keisala was awarded while playing with Team Kuortane in 2014–15 and 2015–16, and with Ilves Tampere in 2020–21 and 2021–22.
Polish-Australian goaltender Olivia Last was the first international player to receive the award, which she won while playing with TPS Turku in 2023–24.