A stepping stone to the world
Lauriane Rougeau remembers the National Women’s Under-18 Championship as the event that helped kick-start her international career
Lauriane Rougeau’s fondest memories revolve around the players – teammates and opponents alike.
Ten years ago, Rougeau was just getting her start on the national stage. The scene was the National Women’s Under-18 Championship in Kitchener, Ont., and Rougeau, then a 17-year-old defenceman, was an anchor on the Quebec blue-line as her club marched all the way to the gold medal game.
There, Quebec would once again face off against arch-rival Ontario Red, which had defeated Quebec in all three previous national finals – twice in 2005, and at the inaugural tournament in 2001.
Rougeau was part of the second 2005 team, dropping a narrow 2-1 decision in Salmon, Arm, B.C., and also wore provincial colours at the 2007 Canada Winter Games in Whitehorse, Y.T., claiming a bronze medal.
“I was a veteran on the team [in 2007],” says Rougeau, now an Olympic gold medallist with Canada’s National Women’s Team who is working towards her second Games. “We knew that we lost the Canada Winter Games, we took the bronze. That was another disappointment because we lost to Team Ontario in the semifinals. We took it to heart.
“And then losing 4-3 in that 2007 final was one of the losses that I still remember. I wish I would have done something better on the ice. Things like that, those are games that I remember that I will remember for the rest of my life.”
Rougeau certainly hasn’t forgotten that Quebec led 3-2 after two periods in Kitchener on the strength of goals by Audrey Belanger-Cournoyer, Camille Dumais and Vanessa Plante (and a pair of assists from Marie-Philip Poulin). But Carolyne Prevost scored goals at 6:24 and 17:36 to give Ontario Red the win and a fourth-consecutive U18 gold medal.
It wasn’t the result that Rougeau or her teammates sought when they started the journey. But that experience has helped make Rougeau the type of player she is today. The National Women’s Under-18 Championship, a staple on Hockey Canada’s annual calendar of events, has given Rougeau lifelong memories and relationships.
“It’s how you get started,” she says. “You represent your province and you have so much pride in those tournaments, being with the teammates that you have played with for a couple of years. I remember my first U18s. It was overwhelming; you play against Team Ontario and there’s Natalie Spooner or Rebecca Johnston.
“Those tournaments can be very special because, even though you’re playing for your province, down the line you might be best friends with the person playing for Manitoba or another province if you make it up the ladder. It’s a stepping stone for the bigger stage and those are great memories that I will cherish.”
For Rougeau, the 2005 national championship was her first time playing on an all-girls team; she played with the boys throughout minor hockey.
“I had never really known that there was a women’s worlds or hockey world for just women,” Rougeau says. “It just changed my vision for what hockey meant to me. Growing up, I was the only girl on my team and that’s how it was. The U18 nationals gave me great memories. Sharing the moments, being able to have friends on the team and seeing each other grow through the year was something special. As a player, I learned a lot.”
Since the two U18 national championships and Canada Winter Games, Rougeau has been making a steady climb up the ladder. She captained Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team in its inaugural season in 2007-08, and her career took off from there.
She wore the ‘C’ for Canada at the 2008 IIHF World Women’s U18 Championship, earning a silver medal in Calgary, and was named Top Defenceman. Later that year, she joined Canada’s National Women’s Under-22 Team and would win gold medals at the 2010 and 2011 MLP Cup with the U22 squad.
Her first international event with Canada’s National Women’s Team came at the 2011 4 Nations Cup, five months before she won her first world title at the 2012 IIHF World Women’s Championship.
And, of course, there was the golden moment in Sochi that remains her career highlight.
But, at 27 years old, there’s certainly more on the horizon.
“I’m really looking forward to the entire journey and process,” Rougeau says of centralization. “Last time, being a rookie, you try to be in the moment but it’s hard, you always think ahead and you don’t know about all of the uncontrollable things. This time, I want to take a step back and just enjoy the moment. There are not a lot of people who go through it and it’s a dream come true.
“I’m so fortunate to do what I love and to play hockey.”
Women’s Worlds Preview: Canada vs. Japan
Thursday, April 17 | 2:30 p.m. ET | Ceske Budejovice, Czechia | Quarterfinal
GAME NOTES: CANADA VS. JAPAN (APRIL 17)
It’s on to the playoff round for Canada’s National Women's Team, which faces off against Japan in quarterfinal action Thursday at the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship.
Last Game
Canada closed its preliminary-round schedule Monday with a 7-1 win over host Czechia that locked up second place in Group A. Marie-Philip Poulin scored twice to give the Canadians a 2-1 lead after two periods before they exploded for five in the final frame, including three in a span of 58 seconds. Kristin O’Neill added a pair of goals of her own, Erin Ambrose celebrated her 100th international game with a pair of assists and Sophie Jaques got her first Team Canada goal to round out the scoring.
The Japanese clinched second place in Group B with a narrow 1-0 win over Germany in their prelim finale Tuesday. Miyuu Masuhara was terrific in a 34-save shutout performance, including 17 in the third period as the Germans pushed for the equalizer. Rui Ukita netted the lone goal early in the second for Japan.
Last Meeting
Canada and Japan clashed in the preliminary round at the 2023 Women’s Worlds in Brampton, where the Canadians earned a 5-0 win. Sarah Fillier led the offence with two goals and an assist as Canada jumped on the Japanese early with 26 shots in the first period (and finished with a 60-11 advantage overall). Sarah Nurse added a goal and an assist, and Emerance Maschmeyer turned aside all 11 shots she faced for the shutout.
What to Watch
Entering this tournament, three members of the Team Canada roster were still in search of their first international goal – all of them defenders. Micah Zandee-Hart got off the schneid first, scoring against Switzerland (in her 69th game!) and Jaques put herself on the scoresheet against the Czechs. That just leaves Chloe Primerano. The 18-year-old – the third-youngest player to appear for Canada at Women’s Worlds – has acquitted herself nicely thus far, averaging 13:31 of ice time per game across three prelim games. She put herself squarely on the international radar with her epic shootout winner against the U.S. in the Rivalry Series in November, but is still in search of her official maiden marker. Primerano is no stranger to Team Canada goals – she scored 18 in 21 games with Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team, the second-most in U18 program history.
The Japanese are as disciplined a team as you will ever see. In their four preliminary-round games, Japan took only two penalties, allowed just a single power play and has gone more than 136 minutes without being whistled for an infraction. Their goaltending has also been terrific, with Masuhara playing every second of the prelims and fashioning a 1.01 goals-against average and .965 save percentage while making the second-most saves of any netminder (110).
Milestone Watch
Poulin is set to become just the fourth player to reach 200 games played with Canada’s National Women’s Team, but that’s not the only milestone on her mind. Captain Canada needs three more goals to surpass Jayna Hefford as Canada’s all-time leading goal scorer at the IIHF Women’s World Championship, and three more assists and two more points to take over from Hayley Wickenheiser atop those categories.
In goal, Ann-Renée Desbiens needs just one victory to surpass Swiss icon Florence Schelling and become the winningest goaltender in Women’s Worlds history (22).
A Look Back
Canada has been nothing short of dominant in eight all-time meetings with Japan, winning all eight, averaging 12 goals a game and not allowing a single goal.
The most goals Canada has ever scored in an international game is 18, which it has done three times – twice against Japan. Angela James and Vicky Sunohara had hat tricks in an 18-0 victory at the inaugural Women’s Worlds in 1990, and Wickenheiser and France St-Louis contributed three-goal efforts to an 18-0 win at the 1996 Pacific Rim Championship.
All-time record: Canada leads 8-0 Canada goals: 96 Japan goals: 0
Women’s Worlds Preview: Canada vs. Czechia
Monday, April 14 | 1 p.m. ET | Ceske Budejovice, Czechia | Preliminary Round
GAME NOTES: CANADA VS. CZECHIA (APRIL 14)
After a loss against the United States yesterday, Canada’s National Women's Team returns to the ice on Monday to face host Czechia in the final game of the preliminary round at the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship.
Last Game
Always the marquee matchup of the preliminary round, Canada dropped a 2-1 decision to the United States for its first loss of the tournament. The Americans held a 2-0 lead after two periods before Laura Stacey scored on a breakaway to cut the lead in half. Ann-Renée Desbiens made 26 saves in goal.
The Czechs dropped their second game in Group A on Saturday, losing 4-2 to Finland. Tereza Vanisova gave Czechia a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes, but Finland responded with four unanswered goals before Kristyna Kaltounkova scored with just over two minutes remaining. Klara Peslarova made 24 saves.
Last Meeting
Canada and Czechia last met in the 2024 Women’s Worlds semifinals, with the Canadians blanking the Czechs 4-0 on their way to a 13th gold medal. Blayre Turnbull kicked off the scoring 4:32 into the game, with Jocelyne Larocque giving Canada a 2-0 lead after the first period. Emily Clark and Sarah Fillier rounded out the scoring, while Ann-Renée Desbiens made nine saves for the shutout.
What to Watch
Line chemistry in short international tournaments is important, and the Canadians have the benefit of utilizing the Montréal Victoire’s top line on an international stage. Jenn Gardiner, Marie-Philip Poulin and Laura Stacey are the top three scorers for the first-place Victoire, combining for31 goals and 59 points. In three games in Ceske Budejovice, all three are top-10 in scoring and have combined for five goals and 14 points with a combined +17. Poulin has a goal and five assists, putting her atop the tournament scoring list and within shouting distance of a trio of all-time scoring records (more on that below).
The Czechs have some young talent emerging this season. Natalie Mlynkova—Chloe Primerano’s teammate at the University of Minnesota—notched 16 goals and 34 points in her fifth NCAA season, while 18-year-old Adela Sapovalivova recorded 15 goals and 36 points with MoDo in the Swedish women’s league. Kristyna Kaltounkova is making her debut on the senior team after becoming the first Czech player to be named a top-10 finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Award and leads the Czechs in the tournament with two goals.
Milestone Watch
Poulin has a few major marks in her sights. She needs five more goals to surpass Jayna Hefford as Canada’s all-time leading goal scorer at the IIHF Women’s World Championship, and three more assists and four more points to take over from Hayley Wickenheiser atop those categories.
In goal, Desbiens is even with Swiss netminder Florence Schelling for the most in Women’s Worlds history (21).
And keep an eye on a few more games-played milestones on the blue line; Erin Ambrose is set to reach 100 appearances in her Team Canada career when she takes the ice today, while Jocelyne Larocque is four shy of becoming the first defender to reach 200 games.
A Look Back
These two teams have a relatively new history at the IIHF Women’s World Championship. They have only met three times— once in Brampton in 2023 and twice at last year’s championship.
All-time record: Canada leads 3-0-0 Canada goals: 14 Czechia goals: 1
Women’s Worlds Preview: Canada vs. United States
Sunday, April 13 | 1 p.m. ET | Ceske Budejovice, Czechia | Preliminary Round
GAME NOTES: CANADA VS. UNITED STATES (APRIL 13)
Always the marquee matchup of the preliminary round, Canada’s National Women's Team is back in action Sunday at the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship to take on the United States in a first-place showdown in Group A.
Last Game
Canada made it two wins – and two shutouts – in as many games with a 4-0 blanking of Switzerland on Friday. Marie-Philip Poulin had three assists, Micah Zandee-Hart scored her first Team Canada goal in her 69th international game and the Canadians got three goals in 2:32 midway through the second period – from Natalie Spooner, Laura Stacey and Daryl Watts (also her first international marker) – to pull away. Ann-Renée Desbiens’ return from injury was a success as she turned aside all 17 shots she faced for the shutout.
The Americans also improved to 2-0 on Friday, shutting out host Czechia by a 4-0 score. Abbey Murphy scored in each of the first two periods before veterans Hilary Knight and Alex Carpenter added insurance in the third for the U.S., which outshot the Czechs 48-10. Megan Keller added three assists in the win, while Gwyneth Philips recorded the shutout.
Last Meeting
The forever rivals closed out the Rivalry Series in Summerside, P.E.I., on Feb. 8, with the Canadians claiming the series for the third year in a row thanks to a 3-1 victory in the deciding Game 5. Jenn Gardiner netted her first international goal as the game-winner with less than seven minutes to go for the Canadians, who also got goals from Brianne Jenner and Stacey.
What to Watch
While young guns like Gardiner, Watts and Chloe Primerano have been making their presences felt through the first two games, the Canadians continue to go as Poulin goes. As the captain approaches 200 career games (she’s three away from becoming just the fourth player to reach the milestone), she shows no signs of slowing down. Poulin has a goal and four assists through the first two games, putting her atop the tournament scoring list and within shouting distance of a trio of all-time scoring records (more on that below). The 34-year-old has found tremendous chemistry with Victoire de Montréal teammates Gardiner and Stacey; they have combined for four goals and 11 points in two games and are a combined +14.
The Americans have gone with a scoring-by-committee approach in their first two games, getting at least three points from five different players (Carpenter, Keller, Knight, Murphy, Pannek). Knight continues to play at a high level in her 15th Women’s Worlds; the U.S. captain is already the all-time leader in goals (67) and points (114) in tournament history, and she’s two back of the assists record (she’s at 47), although teammate Kendall Coyne Schofield also sits at 47 and Poulin is up to 46, so any or all of the three should likely pass the legendary Hayley Wickenheiser and her 49 assists before the end of the gold medal is awarded in Ceske Budejovice.
Milestone Watch
As mentioned above, Poulin has a few major marks in her sights. She needs five more goals to surpass Jayna Hefford as Canada’s all-time leading goal scorer at the IIHF Women’s World Championship, and four more assists and five more points to take over from Wickenheiser atop those categories.
In goal, Desbiens’ win brought her even with Swiss netminder Florence Schelling for the most in Women’s Worlds history (21). While the starter against the U.S. won’t be known until closer to puck drop, Desbiens is 19-8 with a 2.28 GAA and .908 save percentage all-time against the Americans.
And keep an eye on a few more games-played milestones on the blue line; Erin Ambrose is two appearances away from 100 in her Team Canada career, while Jocelyne Larocque is five shy of becoming the first defender to reach 200 games.
A Look Back
It’s Chapter 191 in the story of Canada vs. United States, with the Canadians in search of win No. 109 in the rivalry.
This is the first-ever meeting in Czechia, making it the 11th different country to have hosted the North American rivals (in order of countries played in: Canada, Finland, United States, Japan, Sweden, Italy, China, Russia, South Korea, Denmark and Czechia).
All-time record: Canada leads 108-81-1 (25-21 in OT/SO) Canada goals: 529 United States goals: 465
Women’s Worlds Preview: Canada vs. Switzerland
Friday, April 11 | 9 a.m. ET | Ceske Budejovice, Czechia | Preliminary Round
GAME NOTES: CANADA VS. SWITZERLAND (APRIL 11)
Less than 18 hours after Canada’s National Women's Team opened with a win at the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship, the team is back on the ice to face Switzerland as the preliminary round continues at Budvar Arena.
Last Game
Canada got off to a strong start with a 5-0 shutout of Finland on Thursday. Jennifer Gardiner led the Canadians with two goals and an assist in her first Women’s Worlds game. Ella Shelton, Marie-Philip Poulin and Emma Maltais also scored and Kristen Campbell made 24 saves to record the shutout in her tournament debut.
Switzerland opened Wednesday with a 3-0 loss to the host Czechs. The Swiss threw 26 shots on Klara Peslarova and had six power-play opportunities, but were unable to convert. Andrea Brändli made 26 saves.
Last Meeting
The Canadians faced Switzerland in the preliminary round at last year’s Women’s Worlds, earning a 3-0 shutout win. Emma Maltais got Canada on the board 70 seconds into the game and Sarah Nurse doubled the lead just over six minutes later. Sarah Fillier added an empty-netter, while Emerance Maschmeyer made 17 saves for the shutout.
What to Watch
When Maschmeyer and Ann-Renée Desbiens both sustained lower-body injuries in March, it provided a chance for Campbell and Ève Gascon to shine on the international stage. In 19 games with the Toronto Sceptres this season, Campbell has a 2.23 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage. Gascon just finished her sophomore year at University of Minnesota Duluth, posting a 1.83 GAA and.942 save percentage while earning First Team All-American honours.
Switzerland’s offence is powered by three-time Olympians Lara Stalder and Alina Müller. Stalder, the Swiss captain, has 27 goals and 50 points in 22 games with EV Zug in the Women’s League, while Müller is in her second PWHL season, registering seven goals and 19 points with the Boston Fleet. Brändli had a strong performance at last year’s Women’s Worlds in Utica, facing 173 shots in five games and recording a .921 save percentage.
Milestone Watch
Jenner is just one goal away from 50 for her Team Canada career, which would make her the 14th player to reach that mark. Stacey is three points from 50 in her career. Marie-Philip Poulin has the potential to break several Canadian records at this Women’s Worlds: the captain is within striking distance of the records for career goals (needs five), assists (needs seven) and points (needs eight) by a Canadian at the tournament. She’s also four games from 200 in her Team Canada career, while stalwart defender Jocelyne Larocque needs six appearances to become the first blue-liner to get to 200.
A Look Back
Surprisingly, Canada and Switzerland have only faced off 20 times since 1997, but they have been frequent foes at the last four Women’s Worlds.
They last faced off in Europe in the semifinals of the 2022 tournament in Denmark, with the Canadians earning a 8-1 win. Poulin (2-1—3) and Fillier (1-2—3) each recorded three-point performances.
All-time record: Canada leads 20-0-0 Canada goals: 155 Switzerland goals: 9
Women’s Worlds Preview: Canada vs. Finland
Thursday, April 10 | 1 p.m. ET | Ceske Budejovice, Czechia | Preliminary Round
GAME NOTES: CANADA VS. FINLAND (APRIL 10)
Here we go! Canada’s National Women's Team opens its quest for a 14th gold medal at the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship against Finland on Thursday at Budvar Arena.
Last Meeting
The Canadians faced Finland in its tournament opener at last year’s Women’s Worlds, coming away with a 4-1 win over the Finns. Brianne Jenner opened the scoring in the first period, and Emma Maltais and Julia Gosling scored in the second before Ella Shelton added a final insurance goal late in the third. Ann-Renée Desbiens made 32 saves between the pipes.
Last Game
Canada captured the Rivalry Series for the third-consecutive season with a 3-1 victory over the United States in Summerside, P.E.I., in early February. Jenner opened the scoring in the second period before the Americans tied it up just over three minutes into the third. Jennifer Gardiner’s first goal with Canada’s National Women’s Team was the game-winner and Laura Stacey added an empty-net goal to secure the win—and the series—for the Canadians.
Finland opened its tournament Wednesday with a 7-1 loss to the United States. Petra Nieminen scored the Finns’ sole goal on a power play in the second period, with Elisa Holopainen and Nelli Laitinen picking up assists. Sanni Ahola made 17 saves.
What to Watch
Canada has several new faces that will make their Women’s Worlds debuts in Czechia. Daryl Watts and Gardiner have joined the forward corps after strong seasons in the PWHL. Watts sits third overall in the league with 26 points (11-15—26) with the Toronto Sceptres, while Gardiner has recorded 16 points (4-12—16) with the Montreal Victoire. On the blue line, Sophie Jaques makes her debut after sitting fourth in the PWHL in assists with the Minnesota Frost. After a strong showing in November’s Rivalry Series games, Chloe Primerano will become the second-youngest defender to play for Canada at Women’s Worlds roster, six months older than Cheryl Pounder in 1994. Primerano recorded five goals and 31 points with the University of Minnesota this season and captained Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team to gold at U18 Women’s Worlds in January. In between the pipes, Ève Gascon made her first Women’s Worlds roster after posting a .942 save percentage and 1.83 goals-against average with the University of Minnesota Duluth.
Notably, Finnish captain Jenni Hiirikoski, the all-time games leader at Women’s Worlds (96), will not compete due to illness. The Finns have a lot of young talent on their roster with seven players currently attending NCAA schools, including Primerano’s teammates Nelli Laitinen and Krista Parkkonen. Susanna Tapani has been a key contributor on the PWHL’s Boston Fleet this season, registering 11 goals and 18 points, and Ronja Savolainen has made an impact during her first season with the Ottawa Charge, earning 11 points (2-9—11).
Milestone Watch
Jenner is just one goal away from 50 for her Team Canada career, which would make her the 14th player to reach that mark. Stacey is four points from 50 in her career. Marie-Philip Poulin has the potential to break several Canadian records at this Women’s Worlds: the captain is within striking distance of the records for career goals (needs six), assists (needs eight) and points (needs 10) by a Canadian at the tournament. She’s also five games from 200 in her Team Canada career, while stalwart defender Jocelyne Larocque needs seven appearances to become the first blue-liner to get to 200.
A Look Back
Canada has typically had the upper hand over Finland historically, having lost just twice and tying once in 90 meetings, but the Finns are still tough competition.
This is the first time the teams will meet in Czechia. Canada and Finland last faced off across the pond at the 2022 Women’s Worlds in Denmark, with the Canadians earning a 4-1 win. Sarah Nurse, Poulin and Meaghan Mikkelson scored in that matchup, with Blayre Turnbull adding an empty-netter in the final minutes.
All-time record: Canada leads 87-2-1 Canada goals: 464 Finland goals: 115
Hannah Miller to miss 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship
Hockey Canada names Julia Gosling as replacement on Team Canada’s roster
CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada has announced that Hannah Miller (North Vancouver, BC/Toronto, PWHL) has been deemed ineligible by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) to compete for Canada at the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship, April 9-20 in Ceske Budejovice, Czechia.
The IIHF stipulates a two-year timeline from when Miller last played overseas in order for her to be eligible to play for Canada.
“We are extremely disappointed to learn that Hannah is not able to compete for Canada at the upcoming world championship,” said general manager Gina Kingsbury (Rouyn-Noranda QC/Toronto, PWHL). “We remained optimistic and believed she had met all the conditions outlined by the IIHF to represent her country, including the two-year timeline around the transfer portal. Hannah has worked hard this season, earned a spot on our roster and we will look forward to future opportunities for her to wear the Maple Leaf.”
Miller, who was set to make her IIHF Women’s World Championship debut, was one of 25 players named to Canada’s National Team roster earlier this month. She is in her second season with the PWHL’s Toronto Sceptres and is currently fourth in league scoring with 24 points (10-14—24) in 26 games.
Julia Gosling (London, ON/Toronto, PWHL) will be the replacement for Miller. Gosling made her Women’s Worlds debut last year and helped Canada win its 13th gold medal in Utica, New York.
Canada opens the tournament against Finland on April 10. It will face Switzerland on April 11 and the United States on April 13 before closing out the preliminary round on April 14 against Czechia.
TSN and RDS, the official broadcast partners of Hockey Canada, will carry extensive game coverage throughout the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship, airing all of Canada’s games. TSN will broadcast all 29 games from Budvar Arena. RDS will provide coverage of all Team Canada games, in addition to two quarterfinals and two semifinals, as well as the medal games.
For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Women’s Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow along via social media on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.
National Women’s Team named for 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship
25 athletes to chase 14th Women’s Worlds gold medal starting April 9 in Czechia
CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada has announced the 25 players named to Canada’s National Women’s Team roster who will look for a fourth gold medal in five years at the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship, April 9-20 in Ceske Budejovice, Czechia.
Three goaltenders, eight defence and 14 forwards were selected by general manager Gina Kingsbury (Rouyn-Noranda, QC/Toronto, PWHL), head coach Troy Ryan (Spryfield, NS/Toronto, PWHL) and Cherie Piper (Scarborough, ON), senior manager of player development and scouting. Assistant coaches Kori Cheverie (New Glasgow, NS/Montréal, PWHL), Caroline Ouellette (Montréal, QC/Concordia University, RSEQ) and Britni Smith (Port Perry, ON/Syracuse University, AHA), along with goaltending consultant Brad Kirkwood (Calgary, AB/Toronto, PWHL), also provided input.
“We are excited about the team we have selected for Women’s Worlds, a team that is built on exceptional talent, character and commitment,” said Ryan. “We are focused on our preparation and ultimately winning a gold medal. We are ready for the challenge and proud to represent our country.”
The roster includes 18 players who helped Canada capture its 13th Women’s Worlds gold medal in Utica, New York, in 2024 (Ambrose, Campbell, Clark, Desbiens, Fast, Fillier, Gosling, Jenner, Larocque, Maltais, Nurse, O’Neill, Poulin, Serdachny, Shelton, Spooner, Stacey, Turnbull).
Five players will be making their IIHF Women’s World Championship debut (Gardiner, Gascon, Jaques, Primerano, Watts).
“With less than a year to go until the 2026 Olympics, this is our final opportunity to face a number of opponents and compete at the highest level as part of our preparation,” said Kingsbury. “We are excited about the team we have assembled to contend for a gold medal while also looking long-term on the road to Milan.”
The 10-team tournament features the defending champion Canadians in Group A with host Czechia, Finland, Switzerland and the United States, while Group B includes Germany, Hungary, Japan, Norway and Sweden.
Canada will travel to Tabor, Czechia, for its pre-tournament camp ahead of Women’s Worlds. It opens the tournament against Finland on April 10 and will face Switzerland on April 11 and the United States on April 13 before closing out the preliminary round on April 14 against Czechia.
TSN and RDS, the official broadcast partners of Hockey Canada, will carry extensive game coverage throughout the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship, airing all of Canada’s games. TSN will broadcast all 29 games from Budvar Arena. RDS will provide coverage of all Team Canada games, in addition to two quarterfinals and two semifinals, as well as the medal games.
For more information from the International Ice Hockey Federation, please visit the official tournament site HERE.
In 23 appearances at the IIHF Women’s World Championship, Canada has captured 13 gold medals (1990, 1992, 1994, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2007, 2012, 2021, 2022, 2024), in addition to nine silver (2005, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2023) and one bronze (2019).
For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Women’s Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow along via social media on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.
Creating spaces for conversations
With the Rivalry Series in Halifax, local community leaders organized a mini summit to elevate the voices of Indigenous hockey players, like Team Canada veteran Jocelyne Larocque
When the announcement was made that the Rivalry Series would wrap up on the East Coast this year, the brainstorming began for Ryan Francis.
“We saw that there was an opportunity to elevate voices of Indigenous hockey players and people and share their experiences in a very specific context and environment,” says Francis, the Mi’kmaw sport, recreation and physical activity corporate strategist for the Nova Scotian government.
That’s where the Indigenous Hockey Mini Summit was born. In partnership with Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey, the Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaw, Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre and the Genevieve Francis Memorial Fund, the half-day summit had three segments featuring Indigenous players, including Canada’s National Women’s Team defender, Jocelyne Larocque (Métis) and a keynote speech from USA Hockey alumna, Sydney Daniels (Cree).
“For me, being a woman, being Indigenous, I think it’s important for young Indigenous girls to be able to see Indigenous women living their dream, having fun while they’re doing it and working hard,” Larocque says. “It’s important for me to share that message with all youth in the world.”
When Francis approached Larocque with the opportunity to get involved in the
mini summit, she was drawn to participate right away. Not only did Larocque
do a Q&A at the summit, hosted by TSN’s Kenzie Lalonde, but she also
made time for a meet and greet with Hockey Nova Scotia’s Indigenous Girls
Hockey Program after the Rivalry Series game in Halifax.
Kenzie Lalonde (left) interviews Jocelyne Larocque during the summit.
For Larocque, representation matters. Anytime she can give back to her community or share experiences to inspire others, she will.
“It’s very important for women playing professional hockey to have that exposure and for young girls to see us having a career playing hockey because I didn’t have that. A lot of my teammates didn’t have that,” Larocque says. “I definitely will always push towards a more inclusive, diverse and equal playing field, whether that’s hockey or anything in life.”
The summit also provided opportunities for informal conversations with speakers, like Larocque. Jordan Dawe-Ryan recalls one little girl sitting around a table eating breakfast alongside Larocque before the summit began and having a chance to ask the veteran blue-liner any questions she had.
“The girl’s happiness just shone right through the experience she had,” says Dawe-Ryan, the active living community coordinator at the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre. “With all the momentum that has been growing with woman’s hockey worldwide […] it’s amazing that they could sit down together, like two friends, and talk about who they are, what their goals are and their journey along the way.”
Erin Denny, who is in her fifth year playing at Saint Mary’s University, participated on the Mi’kmaw players’ panel at the summit. The 23-year-old feels she has grown into a role model and really takes pride in that role.
“As I transition out of my hockey career and more into that role, I think
it’s really important to share my story and my thoughts on everything so
there can be more success for Indigenous youth,” Denny says.
Sara-Lynne Knockwood (left), Erin Denny and Chad Denny during the Mi'kmaw players' panel.
Like Larocque, Denny says representation can open doors for youth, and having an Indigenous role model for Indigenous youth to look up to can make a huge difference in their lives.
“Especially as a minority group, seeing someone that is similar to you, lives a similar life and has the same struggles as you, I feel like it can make a world of a difference for youth,” Denny says. “Being in this position, I think it’s really important that I continue to share my experiences and be an outlet for youth if they have questions or want advice.”
There were additional events connected to the mini summit, such as a pizza dinner and poster-making night at the Friendship Centre before the Rivalry Series game. The Friendship Centre also provided smudging kits as the Player of the Game awards in Halifax. Despite some winter weather causing power outages in the city the morning of the summit, the event was a big success.
“It’s important to create that space, and when you do create that space and have it in an environment that people feel safe and comfortable, there can be really powerful discussions and perspectives that get brought forward that will help move conversations amongst decision-makers,” Francis says.
With such a positive response from participants, organizers are already brainstorming for another event in the future—this time expanding from a mini summit to a full, multi-day summit.
“Another one will be on the way and we’re hoping to make it even bigger and better the next time,” Dawe-Ryan says. “[We want to] provide more opportunities, provide more spaces for us to share our culture and have these safe spaces where we can interact, engage and really be our true, vulnerable selves in these spaces.”
Rivalry Series Preview: Canada vs. United States
Saturday, February 8 | 7 p.m. AT | Summerside, Prince Edward Island | Game 5
GAME NOTES: CANADA VS. UNITED STATES (FEB. 8)
It all comes down to Game 5. Canada’s National Women's Team faces its cross-border rivals from the United States in a Saturday night showdown to decide the Rivalry Series at Credit Union Place.
Last Meeting & Last Game
Canada dropped a 2-1 shootout decision on Thursday in Halifax, evening up the series at two wins apiece. Hilary Knight scored midway through the first period to give the Americans the lead, but it was the home-province hero, Blayre Turnbull, scoring with 2:20 remaining to send the game to overtime before the U.S. converted on three of four shootout attempts.
What to Watch
It’s been a warm East Coast welcome for Turnbull. The 31-year-old native of Stellarton, Nova Scotia, has two goals and an assist in this year’s Rivalry Series to go along with five goals and two helpers in 15 games as captain of the Toronto Sceptres of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). Of course, in a winner-take-all scenario, we’d be remiss if we did not talk about Captain Canada, Marie-Philip Poulin. The Montreal Victoire captain has a history of scoring in clutch scenarios, whether it was the game-winner in last year’s Rivalry Series finale or gold medal games at four Olympics. She leads the PWHL with 10 goals in 14 games.
Gwyneth Philips was terrific in the American goal in Halifax, finishing with 31 saves in regulation and overtime before turning away all three Canadian shooters in the shootout to record her first international win. And, of course, Knight continues to make an impact in international games, with her goal in Halifax giving her three in as many Rivalry Series games. The 35-year-old, who leads the Boston Fleet with 11 points (5-6—11) in 13 PWHL games this season, has scored 159 goals in 235 Team USA games over her 19-year international career.
Milestone Watch
Brianne Jenner is just two goals away from 50 for her Team Canada career, which would make her the 14th player to reach that mark. Laura Stacey and Jamie Lee Rattray are both five points from 50 in their careers.
A Look Back
Winner-take-all games have been a common occurrence in the Rivalry Series lately. This is the third year in a row the series will be decided in the final game. Last year, Canada once again erased a 3-0 series deficit and completed the reverse sweep with a 6-1 win in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Natalie Spooner and Emma Maltais scored twice as Canada capitalized on special teams with two power-play goals and a shorthanded marker.
Saturday also marks the first time Canada’s National Women’s Team will play the United States on Prince Edward Island.
All-time record: Canada leads 107-81-1 (25-21 in OT/SO) Canada goals: 526 United States goals: 463
Rivalry Series Preview: Canada vs. United States
Thursday, February 6 | 7 p.m. AT | Halifax, Nova Scotia | Game 4
GAME NOTES: CANADA VS. UNITED STATES (FEB. 6)
Hello, Halifax! Canada’s National Women's Team is back in action against its cross-border rivals, kicking off the Canadian leg of the Rivalry Series against the United States on Thursday night at Scotiabank Centre.
Last Meeting & Last Game
Canada took a 2-1 lead in the Rivalry Series with a 4-1 win in Boise, Idaho, back in November. Jocelyne Larocque and Sarah Nurse gave Canada an early lead in the first period, with Kristin O’Neill making it a 3-0 game in the middle frame. The Americans got one back on the power play in the third, but Emily Clark provided the final margin of victory with less than four minutes left.
What to Watch
With the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) season well underway, three different members of Canada’s National Women’s Team lead the league in points, goals and assists. Sarah Fillier (New York Sirens) leads the PWHL in scoring with 15 points (5-10—15) after a fantastic start to her professional career. Captain Marie-Philip Poulin (Montreal Victoire) leads with 10 goals in 14 games (10-2—12), while Claire Thompson (Minnesota Frost) leads with 10 assists in 15 games (4-10—14). Between the pipes, Ann-Renée Desbiens tops all qualified goaltenders in wins (8), goals-against average (1.77) and save percentage (.935).
Kendall Coyne Schofield and Taylor Heise sit right behind Fillier in PWHL scoring. Coyne Schofield, the Americans’ veteran captain, has earned 14 points (6-8—14) in 15 games, while Heise, the reigning Ilana Kloss Playoff MVP, has recorded 14 points (4-10—14) in 14 games. The United States also made a change to its roster on Tuesday; Alex Carpenter, Gabby Rosenthal, Hayley Scamurra and Grace Zumwinkle are no longer able to participate, and were replaced by Izzy Daniel, Clair DeGeorge, Maureen Murphy and Mannon McMahon.
Milestone Watch
Thursday’s game marks international game No. 100 for Nurse and Laura Stacey. Brianne Jenner is just two goals away from 50 for her Team Canada career, which would make her the 14th player to reach that mark. Stacey and Jamie Lee Rattray are both sitting five points away from 50 in their careers.
With her assist on Canada’s first goal in Game 3, Poulin passed Hockey Hall of Fame forward Danielle Goyette for fourth place in all-time National Women’s Team scoring (220 points).
A Look Back
This is the third time Halifax has hosted the Canada-United States rivalry, and Thursday marks the first time since 2004 that the team will play in Nova Scotia after the COVID-19 pandemic erased the opportunity for the city to host the IIHF Women’s World Championship.
Canada captured its eighth consecutive Women’s Worlds gold with a 2-0 win over the Americans in Halifax on April 6, 2004. After a scoreless first, Hayley Wickenheiser opened the scoring four minutes into the second period before Delaney Collins doubled the advantage early in the third. Kim St-Pierre was terrific in the Canadian goal (as the Hall of Famer typically was), posting a 26-save shutout.
All-time record: Canada leads 107-80-1 (25-20 in OT/SO) Canada goals: 525 United States goals: 462
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