The upcoming PWHL season is set to kick off on November 21, but the battle for spots on the Canadian Olympic women’s hockey team is well underway. Two out of three training sessions for the team have already concluded, with the last one scheduled to commence in Montreal by the end of this month. Following the training blocks, the team will participate in a shortened Canada-U.S. Rivalry Series, playing two games in the U.S. and two in Edmonton.
General Manager Gina Kingsbury expressed satisfaction with the competitive spirit shown by the players vying for a place on the Olympic roster. Thirty players have been part of the training camp, but only 23 will be selected to represent Canada at the Winter Olympics in Italy. Balancing experienced veterans, with 17 players having won gold in Beijing in 2022, and emerging talents poses a challenge for the management team.
Among the standout prospects is 19-year-old Caitlin Kraemer, who impressed with her performance during the camp. Kraemer, a University of Minnesota-Duluth forward, has been making waves both on and off the ice. The team dynamics and the mentorship from seasoned players have been invaluable for her development.
The competition for roster spots intensifies, particularly in defense, where Canada boasts a deep pool of talent. While familiar faces from the 2022 gold-winning team are present, rising stars like Sophie Jaques and Chloe Primerano are making strong cases for inclusion. Head Coach Troy Ryan and GM Gina Kingsbury face the challenge of balancing experience and potential in shaping the team for future success.
Looking ahead, the women’s world championship is undergoing a significant change, moving to November starting next year. This shift aims to streamline international competitions and provide players with a more structured season. The decision also aligns the championship schedule to avoid overlapping with other major hockey events, potentially increasing the tournament’s visibility.
The IIHF’s move to introduce a European women’s championship in April 2027 aims to showcase emerging talent from outside the PWHL. This initiative, supported by Hockey Canada, could bridge the gap between youth and senior-level competitions, offering a platform for international player development.
As preparations continue for the upcoming season and beyond, Hockey Canada remains focused on nurturing talent, fostering competition, and elevating the status of women’s hockey on the global stage.