On the ice, Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team completed a three-game sweep of the United States in its summer series for the first time since 2007, but behind the bench, the coaching staff was making a little history.

Head coach Courtney Birchard-Kessel and assistants Stefanie McKeough and Tara Watchorn became the first all-women coaching staff in the history of Canada’s women’s U18 program. The result against the Americans was terrific, but the impact the series will have on growing women’s hockey goes beyond the ice.

“We’re in such a good time for women in coaching positions,” says Watchorn. “With pioneers like Hayley Wickenheiser and Caroline Ouellette, it’s great to see that women are starting to get in on the coaching side now and there’s a path to making coaching a career, which was really tough before. It’s really cool to see that transition where a wave of players who have already had a hockey career now able to move into coaching.”

To add to the accomplishment, all three members of the coaching staff are alumnae of National Women’s Program, having shared the ice together at camps and events over the last decade and a half, including a golden experience with Canada’s National Women’s Development Team at the 2011 MLP Cup, the only time the three wore the Maple Leaf together.

Combined, the three played 183 international games; Birchard-Kessel appeared in three IIHF Women’s World Championships, winning gold in 2012, Watchorn was an Olympic gold medallist in 2014 and played at three women’s worlds, and McKeough was part of the Canadian contingent at the 2009 IIHF World Women’s U18 Championship.

So coming back to the national program and having a reunion of sorts behind the bench meant a little bit extra for the trio.

“Between the three of us, our paths have crossed so many times throughout our own playing careers, and we have a lot of shared experiences and values we learned along the way,” Watchorn says. “For the under-18 age group, they’re so young and for a lot of them, it’s their first high-performance environment. So, for us to be able to understand and anticipate those stressors and telling them to focus on just being present, enjoying the time with teammates and making them better, you’re always going to play better.”

Watchorn has always wanted to be a coach. Even during a successful playing career that included Olympics, women’s worlds and hoisting the Clarkson Cup with the CWHL’s Boston Blades of the CWHL in 2015, Watchorn knew she wanted to pass on the positive experiences she’s had in the game.

“I am so fortunate to be part of cultures and teams that truly changed my life,” says the Newcastle, Ont., native, who is the first-ever head coach of the women’s program at Stonehill College, “so my hope is to create that environment and culture for other young women who can come through and be inspired [and] challenged, and become leaders and people who impact the world.”

Although coaching isn’t always the plan for players, hockey sometimes finds a way back. After hanging up her skates after a five-year college career at the University of Wisconsin (which included an NCAA national title in 2011), McKeough thought coaching was one of the last things she would be doing with her free time.

But the game eventually took her to Sweden, where she was able to get a taste of coaching and was bitten by the bug. To this day, McKeough admits it continues to surprise her every time she walks into the rink as a full-time coach.

“Hockey players are humans first,” the Carlsbad Springs, Ont., product says. “I learned through coaching that we have to help the person before helping the hockey player, and being able to be there for somebody is something that motivates me when I show up at the rink every day.”

As an assistant coach with the University of Ottawa, McKeough gets to work and learn from veteran U SPORTS coaches like Vicky Sunohara (Toronto), Rachel Flanagan (Guelph) and Gee-Gees bench boss Chelsea Grills. They’ve been able to set examples for McKeough previously as a player and now as a coach.

“Vicky was actually one of my coaches at my first U18 camp and Rachel was an assistant coach during one of my years on the under-22 team, so now that I get to work with them, I’ve been able to gain a more deeper respect for what they do as coaches.

“By having those ’If you see it, you can be it‘ situations, I’ve been able to continue to build those relationships with other coaches and the players.”

The growth and visibility of women in coaching and leadership positions continues to grow. Just this summer, Hockey Canada alumna Jessica Campbell was hired as an assistant coach by the AHL’s Coachella Valley Firebirds, longtime national team defenceman Laura Fortino took on the same role with the OHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs, and 2022 Olympic gold medallists Marie-Philip Poulin and Rebecca Johnston took on player development roles with the Montreal Canadiens and Calgary Flames, respectively.

“Diversity in leadership is so valuable,” Watchorn says. “For people to bring different backgrounds, and to be able to relate to the players, it’s just so important. If you see it, you can be it.”

CALGARY, Alta. – Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team completed a series sweep with a 7-2 win over the United States, while Canada’s National Women’s Development Team fell 2-1 to the U.S. in the final game of its series.

Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team

• Keira Hurry (London, Ont./London, OWHA U22 Elite) lead the way with two goals, including the first of her international career.
• Abby Stonehouse (London, Ont./London, OWHA U22 Elite) also netted her first Team Canada goal.
• Jocelyn Amos (Ailsa Craig, Ont./London, OWHA U22 Elite) registered a goal and an assist.
• Mackenzie Alexander (Toronto, Ont./Etobicoke, OWHA U22 Elite), Alexia Aubin (Lévis, Que./Stanstead College, JWHL) and Caitlin Kraemer (Kitchener, Ont./Kitchener, OWHA U22 Elite) rounded out the scoring.
• Piper Grober (Toronto, Ont./Durham West, OWHA U22 Elite), Ava Murphy (Kitchener, Ont./ Oakville, OWHA U22 Elite) and Abby Lunney each recorded three assists.
• Emma Venusio (Toronto, Ont./Etobicoke, OWHA U22 Elite) chipped in with a helper.
• Hannah Clark (Ajax, Ont./Etobicoke, OWHA U22 Elite) made 27 saves.

Full game stats are available at HockeyCanada.ca. 

Canada’s National Development Team

• Sophie Shirley (Saskatoon, Sask./University of Wisconsin, WCHA) scored the lone goal.
• Ashley Messier (Wilcox, Sask./Syracuse University, CHA) and Stephanie Markowski (Edmonton, Alta./Cornell University, ECAC) recorded an assist each.
• Raygan Kirk (Ste. Anne, Man./Ohio State University, WCHA) made 18 saves before giving way to Kayle Osborne (Rideau Lakes, Ont./Colgate University, ECAC), who made 12 stops.
  
  

Full game stats are available at HockeyCanada.ca.

Quotes:

“We wanted to do what we’ve done the last two games - come out with speed, apply pressure and play as a team. That is exactly what we did. It was so nice to see a lot of different players get goals today. We won the series and we will celebrate today, but tomorrow we go back to work. If we bring the same game we had today [to women’s U18 worlds in December] we are going to be successful because we care about each other and want each other to be successful.”

-         Under-18 head coach Courtney Kessel (Mississauga, Ont./Princeton University, ECAC) on completing the series sweep

 

“It is a great feeling to win, [the sweep] shows how tight knit of a group we are. We have been really close and brought energy to every game. Everyone was buzzing, we got a lot of offence going all game. We did not spend a lot of time in our [defensive] zone, which created opportunities for us. The scoreboard shows that we were able to capitalize on those [opportunities].”

-         Grober on finding offence in the last game of the series

 

“After I scored, I was jumping up and down, celebrating with my teammates from London. I have no words, really. I was pumped. We are a tight group; we all pump each other up. The past three weeks have been the best experience of my life, it was a dream come true when I heard that I made the team. We have a great group here; I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

-         Stonehouse on scoring her first international goal

 

“The vibe from our group was outstanding today. Anytime you can play against the [United States] it’s going to be a close, hard-fought battle. We lost the game, but I could not be more proud of the effort we put forth. [Our players] were doing everything that we wanted them to do. They were trying things, working on the concepts we talked about. Their effort was there. Unfortunately, we did not get that game-tying goal but it did not come without the effort.”

-         Development head coach Kori Cheverie (New Glasgow, N.S.) on her team’s effort in the final game of the series

 

“Coming to camp has been a really good experience. I had a great experience in the dressing room and getting to know my teammates. Our group stayed together. We got better in that third game as it went on. I know our coaches were really happy with our effort and fight. Every girl on our team left it all out there. We wanted it, but it just was not our day today. I know in the future we are going to give [the United States] another really tough battle.”

-          Sara Swiderski (Langley, B.C./Clarkson University, ECAC) on coming up short in the third game

 

“It was such a hard-fought series; we left it all out there each game. I’m super proud of this group. We never gave up, especially today. It shows what it means to wear the Maple Leaf. There was lots of energy today, which was awesome to see. The character in the locker room showed, you could see the resiliency, the work ethic, the camaraderie. We really rallied together, which is what makes it fun to play hockey.”

-         Megan Carter (Milton, Ont./University of British Columbia, CW) on the feeling in the locker room

For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Women’s Development and Under-18 Teams, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

CALGARY, Alta. – Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team secured a series win against the United States with a 4-0 victory while Canada’s National Women’s Development Team dropped the second game of its series 4-1 to the U.S.

Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team

• Abby Lunney (Newmarket, Ont./Central York, OWHA U22 Elite) scored the first goal of her international career while Caitlin Kraemer (Kitchener, Ont./Kitchener, OWHA U22 Elite), Jordan Baxter (New Westminster, B.C./Delta Hockey Academy, CSSHL) and Emmalee Pais (London, Ont./London, OWHA U22 Elite) also found the back of the net.
• Keira Hurry (London, Ont./London, OWHA U22 Elite), Mackenzie Alexander (Toronto, Ont./Etobicoke, OWHA U22 Elite), Piper Grober (Toronto, Ont./Durham West, OWHA U22 Elite) and Jaimee Spring (Cranbrook, B.C./Rink Hockey Academy, CSSHL) all registered an assist.
• Arianne Leblanc (Terrebonne, Que./Stanstead College, JWHL) made 25 saves for her first international shutout.
  
  

Full game stats are available at HockeyCanada.ca. 

Canada’s National Development Team

• Maggie Connors (St. John’s, N.L./Princeton University, ECAC) provided the lone goal.
• Danielle Serdachny (Edmonton, Alta./Colgate University, ECAC) and Sophie Shirley (Saskatoon, Sask./University of Wisconsin, WCHA) each contributed with an assist.
• Hannah Murphy (Bradford, Ont./Colgate University, ECAC) finished with 33 stops.
  
  

Full game stats are available at HockeyCanada.ca.

Next Games:

Under-18: Canada vs. United States – Saturday, August 20 (6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT)
Development: Canada vs. United States – Saturday, August 20 (9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT)

Quotes:

“We committed to the game plan. We were aggressive on our forecheck while maintaining a great backcheck and still brought the same energy and aggressiveness [as yesterday]. LeBlanc held in there and made some fantastic saves. We wouldn’t be where we are without her. We do not want to leave here with just two [wins], we are going for that third win on Saturday.”

-         Under-18 head coach Courtney Kessel (Mississauga, Ont./Princeton University, ECAC) on shutting out the Americans

“My teammates were there for me when I needed them, [they] blocked a couple of hard shots and passes on two-on-ones. It still feels unreal, I cannot believe I played my first game in the Maple Leaf. I tried to take it as a normal game, shot by shot. As the minutes ticked down it felt so good and when [the clock] hit zero I was just happy to celebrate with my teammates.”

-         Leblanc on posting a shutout

“We have lots of support and trust with each other. We know how to move the puck around great. It has been a couple of great team wins so far; we are together in everything. We are definitely looking for another team win, focusing on our habits and bringing it to the [United States].”

-         Kraemer on the full team effort

“We need to re-group tomorrow and establish good habits. Sticking to our habits and executing is what makes our team so great. Our execution was not there tonight. This group has fought hard for the past two weeks. They deserve to be here and know the magnitude of this opportunity. We have not won a series against the United States in the past four years. It is important to win these opportunities.”

-         Development head coach Kori Cheverie (New Glasgow, N.S.) on getting back on track for the series finale

“On Saturday we need to work on our consistency and keeping our work ethic the whole time. In the room, the main message is that we have an opportunity here. We have an opportunity to represent Canada and go into the third [deciding] game against the Americans. We have a great chance to win it here on Saturday.”

-          Connors on the changes needed heading into the series-deciding game

“They played hard. Talking in the room, we had blips of greatness but the key is doing that consistently. That’s something we did not do tonight. Moving forward we are ready to learn from [tonight] and move on. Any time you can play against the United States, those are games you want to play in. I always feel proud to get to play in these games and do my best to make the most of it.”

-         Shirley on the opportunity to play against the Americans

For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Women’s Development and Under-18 Teams, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

CALGARY, Alta. – Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team tied the game in the final minute of the third period before besting the United States in the seventh round of the shootout, securing a 6-5 win in its series opener, while Canada’s National Women’s Development Team also needed a shootout to capture a 4-3 win in the first game of its series against the U.S. Wednesday night.

Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team

• Jocelyn Amos (Ailsa Craig, Ont./London, OWHA U22 Elite) scored the game-tying goal with just over 40 seconds to go in the third period and added two assists.
• Caitlin Kraemer (Kitchener, Ont./Kitchener, OWHA U22 Elite) had a goal and an assist.
• Emma Venusio (Toronto, Ont./Etobicoke, OWHA U22 Elite), Charlotte Pieckenhagen (Toronto, Ont./Mississauga, OWHA U22 Elite) and Mackenzie Alexander (Toronto, Ont./Etobicoke, OWHA U22 Elite) rounded out the scoring with a goal each.
• Alex Law (Markham, Ont./Durham West, OWHA U22 Elite), Jordan Baxter (New Westminster, B.C./Delta Hockey Academy, CSSHL) and Morgan Jackson (Courtenay, B.C./Vancouver Island, BCEHL) all chipped in with an assist.
• Abby Lunney (Newmarket, Ont./Central York, OWHA U22 Elite) found the back of the net twice in the shootout, including the game-winner in the seventh round.  
• Farah Walker (Calgary, Alta./Okanagan, CSSHL) made seven saves in the Canadian goal before giving way to Hannah Clark (Ajax, Ont./Etobicoke, OWHA U22 Elite), who made five saves in relief and earned the win.

Full game stats are available at HockeyCanada.ca. 


Canada’s National Development Team

• Danielle Serdachny (Edmonton, Alta./Colgate University, ECAC) led the way with a pair of goals in regulation, and also scored in the shootout.
• Julia Gosling (London, Ont./St. Lawrence University, ECAC) contributed a goal in the second period and scored the game-winner in the fifth round of the shootout.
• Lexie Adzija (St. Thomas, Ont./Quinnipiac University, ECAC), Maddi Wheeler (Erinsville, Ont./University of Wisconsin, WHCA) and Ashley Messier (Wilcox, Sask./Syracuse University, CHA) each provided an assist.
• Kayle Osborne (Rideau Lakes, Ont./Colgate University, ECAC) made 33 saves.

Full game stats are available at HockeyCanada.ca.

Next Games:

Under-18: Canada vs. United States – Thursday, August 18 (6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT)
Development: Canada vs. United States – Thursday, August 18 (9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT)


Quotes:

“We played super aggressive; our forecheck was fantastic all game and I think that’s what led to all of our opportunities. We had pretty much every kind of situation thrown [at us], which is great as a staff to work through. We need to bring the same energy we brought today and play 60-minute games moving forward.”

-         Under-18 head coach Courtney Kessel (Mississauga, Ont./Princeton University, ECAC) on the series opener

“Our team really stuck together and that really helped us. We kept the energy high on the bench and I think all of our hard work translated to that goal. We were all really excited when we saw it go in, there was a dog pile on the ice which was fun. We are just going to keep getting better from here; our pressure was insane throughout the game, so we are climbing the ladder.”

-         Amos on scoring the game-tying goal with 40 seconds to go

“It was really exciting. I’ve never played in that high-level of a game before, so it felt great [to tie the game]. Hannah Clark was telling me to just make my move, so I listened to my goalie and it helped me. We need to keep working hard in practice, in cooldown, in warmup, whatever it is and that will help us moving forward.”

-         Lunney on her team tying the game late in the third and her success in the shootout

“We showed growth in that first game; we didn’t have the best start but we had some important conversations during the television timeouts that turned the tides for us. This group takes ownership for their play and the second half of the game was unreal. I felt pretty passionate during the game, the girls were doing everything they could to help us win. It is always special getting a win.”

-         Development head coach Kori Cheverie (New Glasgow, N.S.) on getting the first win of the series


“I liked the resiliency of our group, even with the late goal [against] at the end, we never stopped believing in ourselves which is what got us the win at the end. We have some great leaders in our group, I’m learning from them every day. We need to keep the same game plan, focus on our habits with our penalties and power plays and I think we will be good.”

-          Gosling on what it took to get the win

“It is always a good, competitive game playing the U.S. We didn’t get down after that first goal and that was important for us. We need to bring a lot of energy, both teams will be tired as it is a competitive series. Being supportive with teammates and lifting each other up will be huge [moving forward].”

-         Serdachny on the win and what is needed tomorrow

For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Women’s Development and Under-18 Teams, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

CALGARY, Alta. – Following an 11-day selection camp, 46 players have been named to Canada’s National Women’s Development Team and Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team for a pair of three-game series against the United States, Aug. 17-20 at the Markin MacPhail Centre at WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park in Calgary.

A total of 142 players were invited to attend selection camps as part of the BFL National Women’s Program Summer Showcase, which involved on- and off-ice training, classroom sessions and fitness testing. Canada’s National Women’s Development Team was selected following the National Women’s Team selection camp, which included six intrasquad games. The National Women's Under-18 Team selection camp included games against Finland’s national women’s under-18 team before players were chosen to compete against the United States.

“Gathering players at our development and under-18 levels for assessment and scouting is an integral part in the growth of our athletes, especially as we begin preparations for a new four-year cycle leading into the 2026 Olympics,” said Gina Kingsbury (Rouyn-Noranda, Que.), director of hockey operations. “Our three-game series against the Americans, who share a historic past with our program, will allow us to begin to identify athletes in our system who will be competing at the highest international level for us in the coming years.”

Canada’s National Women’s Development Team

The roster for the U.S. series includes 23 players (two goaltenders, seven defence and 13 forwards). It features:

-      Six players who played for Canada’s National Women’s Development Team in a three-game series against the United States in Lake Placid, N.Y., in August 2019 (Connors, Fecteau, Gosling, Kirk, Potomak, Shirley)

-      One player who won a gold medal with Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team at the 2022 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship in Madison, Wis. (Swiderski) 

Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team

The roster for the U.S. series includes 23 players (three goaltenders, seven defence and 13 forwards). It features:

-      Seven players who won a gold medal with Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team at the 2022 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship in Madison, Wis. (Amos, Aubin, Baxter, Grober, Law, Murphy, Pais) 

-      One player who participated in the 2022 Esso Cup, Canada’s National Women’s U18 Club Championship in Okotoks, Alta. (Caron)

Following the series, Hockey Canada, led by Kingsbury in coordination with Cherie Piper (Scarborough, Ont.), senior manager of player development and scouting, and with consultation from regional scouts and the U18 coaching staff, will continue to assess players with their club teams throughout the first part of the 2022-23 season in preparation for selecting the Canadian team that will compete at the 2023 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship, Jan. 8-15, 2023 in Östersund and Brunflo, Sweden. Additionally, all players will be considered for possible invites to future camps and events with Canada’s National Women’s Team.

For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Women’s Program, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow through social media on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

GAME STATS

TV: TSN | Stream: TSN Direct

With a day off behind it after a double-digit shutout win, Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team will look to keep things rolling Tuesday against Slovakia.

LAST GAME

Canada posted its biggest win ever over the Swiss on Sunday, scoring its way to a 14-0 victory to open its Hlinka Gretzky Cup. It marked Canada’s second-highest single-game goal total in summer U18 competition, trailing only an 18-0 win over Belarus in 1998. Special teams were on display; the Canadians went 4-for-4 on the power play, including two from Ethan Gauthier as part of his hat trick. In total, 16 players had points, including an assist from Scott Ratzlaff on top of his 17-save shutout.

The Slovakians opened their tournament with a 4-1 loss to Sweden on Monday afternoon. Samuel Barcik pulled Slovakia even early in the third period, but the Swedes retook the lead just 19 seconds later and added a pair of late markers to seal the three points.

LAST MEETING

This will be the first matchup between Canada and Slovakia since the 2018 Hlinka Gretzky Cup—the last time the event was on Canadian ice. In that one, Canada booked its spot in the semifinals with a 4-2 win, helped by two-point performances from Alexis Lafrenière and Josh Williams. The Canadians were tested against Slovakian netminder David Borak, who turned away 54 of the 58 shots he faced.

WHAT TO WATCH

How about the special teams? Canada scored half of its goals against the Swiss either on the power play (four) or shorthanded (three), with Gauthier (two PPGs) and Colby Barlow (two SHGs) providing most of the offence. The Canadians will need to stay out of the penalty box, though; spending 12 minutes shorthanded could become an issue as the tournament rolls on.

Slovakia wasn’t short on opportunities against the Swedes, firing 33 shots on goal, but only Barcik could find the back of the net. That shooting percentage will need to rise. In goal, Samuel Urban has played 100 of the 120 minutes (including a pre-tournament loss to the U.S.) with an .894 save percentage (59 of 66). He’ll need to be good again to keep the Slovakians close.

A LOOK BACK

Canada is undefeated against Slovakia in summer U18 play, dating back to their first meeting at the 1997 Three Nations Cup. The closest game came in the tournament opener 2016 when Slovakia forced overtime thanks to a power-play goal from Filip Krivoski in final minute of the third period, but Maxime Comtois scored in overtime to give Canada a 3-2 victory.

All-time record: 17-0-0 (1-0 in OT/SO)
Canada goals: 95
Slovakia goals: 29

CALGARY, Alta. – Hockey Canada has invited 142 of the nation’s top players to attend the BFL National Women’s Program selection camp, set to take place Aug. 3-14 at the Markin MacPhail Centre at WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park.

The 11-day camp will bring together athletes vying for spots on Canada’s National Women’s Team, Canada’s National Women’s Development Team and Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team as a start to the 2022-23 season and a new four-year Olympic cycle.

Player selections were led by Gina Kingsbury (Rouyn-Noranda, Que.), director of hockey operations with Hockey Canada, along with Cherie Piper (Scarborough, Ont.), senior manager of player development and scouting, and Troy Ryan (Spryfield, N.S.), head coach of Canada’s National Women’s Team.

“This is a great opportunity to bring all three groups together in one place and start to envision what the next four years will look like,” said Kingsbury. “We are coming off a very successful season and we are looking to continue building on that. We have a full complement of experienced staff to lead our camps but having our Olympic athletes able to play leadership roles where they can mentor and share their experience is a positive step in our journey towards the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan.”

Canada’s National Women’s Team and Canada’s National Women’s Development Team hopefuls will be split into four teams for practices, intrasquad games and off-ice sessions. Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team invitees will be split into two teams – Red and White - for practices, intrasquad games and off-ice sessions. They will also welcome Finland’s national women’s under-18 team, giving the U18 group an opportunity to experience international competition.

Following the selection camp, the cross-border series with the United States will be re-introduced for the first time since 2019. Player selections will be made by Ryan, Kori Cheverie (New Glasgow, N.S./N.-E.) and Courtney Birchard-Kessel (Mississauga, Ont./Princeton University, ECAC) , head coach of Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team, with input from Piper and Kingsbury. Team Canada will also face Finland on Aug. 14 in a final tune-up before the Canada-U.S. series.

The selection camp is also a critical step for Canada’s National Women’s Team in preparation for the 2022 IIHF Women’s World Championship, Aug. 24-Sept. 4 in Herning and Frederikshavn, Denmark. Canada is expected to play Denmark and the United States in a pair of pre-tournament games prior to the start of the women’s worlds.

For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Women’s Program, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram.

CALGARY, Alta. – The stage is set for Canada’s National Women’s Team, Canada’s National Women’s Development Team and Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team for the 2022-23 season, with 10 coaches set to serve behind the bench, including an all-woman staff for the under-18 team.

Troy Ryan (Spryfield, N.S.) returns for his third year as head coach of Canada’s National Women’s Team, joined by assistant coaches Kori Cheverie (New Glasgow, N.S.), Alison Domenico (Ottawa, Ont./Providence College, HE) and Caroline Ouellette (Montreal, Que./Concordia University, RSEQ), as well as goaltending coach Brad Kirkwood (Calgary, Alta./University of Calgary, CW) and video coach James Emery (Calgary, Alta.).

“We are thrilled to welcome Troy, Kori, Ali, Brad and James back to our National Women’s Team for another season, and to add a high-caliber coach like Caroline to our staff,” said Gina Kingsbury (Rouyn-Noranda, Que.), director of hockey operations with Hockey Canada. “Our women’s program is looking to build off of the momentum we gained last season, and we believe we have assembled a staff that will allow us to do exactly that while benefitting our athletes.”

Ryan most recently led Canada to gold medals at the 2021 IIHF Women’s World Championship and 2022 Olympic Winter Games. He also earned a silver medal at the 2018 Olympic Winter Games, silver at the 2017 IIHF Women’s World Championship and bronze at the 2019 IIHF Women’s World Championship as an assistant coach. He has served as the Atlantic Canada female coach mentor with the Canadian Sport Centre Atlantic since 2016.

Cheverie won gold medals as an assistant coach at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games and 2021 IIHF Women’s World Championship. She became the first woman to serve as a coach with one of Canada's national men's teams at the 2022 IIHF U18 World Championship and was also the first woman hired as a full-time assistant coach in U SPORTS, where she was an assistant the Ryerson University men's hockey team for five seasons (2016-21).

Domenico recently finished her first season as associate head coach with the Providence College women’s hockey team following three seasons as an assistant coach. Most recently, she won a gold medal as an assistant coach at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games. She was also named an assistant coach with Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team for the 2021-22 season before being added to the Olympic coaching staff.

Ouellette is entering her second season as associate head coach of the women’s hockey team at Concordia University after serving as interim head coach during the 2020-21. On the international stage, she won bronze as an assistant coach with Canada’s National Women’s Team at the 2019 IIHF Women’s World Championship and silver with Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team at the 2009 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship. As a player, she won four Olympic gold medals and six world titles with Canada’s National Women’s Team during a 17-year international career.

Canada’s National Women’s Team will gather in Calgary for selection camp from Aug. 2-14 ahead of the 2022 IIHF Women’s World Championship, set for Aug. 24-Sept. 4 in Herning and Frederikshavn, Denmark.

FOR A FULL LIST OF STAFF FOR CANADA’S NATIONAL WOMEN’S TEAM AND A LIST OF CAMP SUPPORT STAFF, PLEASE CLICK HERE

On the under-18 side, Courtney Birchard-Kessel (Mississauga, Ont./Princeton University, ECAC) will make her international head coaching debut with Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team. She will be joined by assistant coaches Stefanie McKeough (Carlsbad Springs, Ont./University of Ottawa, OUA) and Tara Watchorn (Newcastle, Ont./Stonehill College, NEWHA), as well as goaltending coach Gord Woodhall (Winnipeg, Man./Winnipeg, MFHL) and video coach Stef Thomson (Oshawa, Ont.).

Birchard-Kessel has been an assistant coach with the Princeton University women’s hockey team for the past three seasons (2019-22). She also won a gold medal as an assistant coach with Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team at the 2019 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship, and has been an assistant with Canada’s National Women’s Development Team twice (2017, 2019).

McKeough recently completed her second season as an assistant coach with the University of Ottawa women’s hockey team (2020-22). She previously served as head coach of Göteborg HC of the Svenka Damhockeyligen (SDHL) in Sweden during the 2020 season after two years (2018-19) as an assistant. As a player, McKeough won a silver medal with Canada at the 2009 IIHF World Women’s U18 Championship.

Watchorn is preparing for the first season of women’s hockey at Stonehill College after serving as an assistant coach with Boston College for four seasons (2017-20). She recently won a gold medal as an assistant coach with Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team at the 2022 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship, and was an assistant with Canada’s National Women’s Development Team for a three-game series against the United States in 2019.

Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team will gather in Calgary from Aug. 2-14 for selection ahead of a three-game series against the United States, Aug. 17-20, as well as the 2023 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship in Sweden. 

FOR A FULL LIST OF STAFF FOR CANADA’S NATIONAL UNDER-18 WOMEN’S TEAM AND A LIST OF CAMP SUPPORT STAFF, PLEASE CLICK HERE

Cheverie will also take the reigns as head coach of Canada’s National Women’s Development Team, joined by assistant coaches Rachel Flanagan (Pontypool, Ont./University of Guelph, OUA) and Marc-André Côté (Montreal, Que./University of Moncton, AUS), as well as goaltending coach Perry Wilson (LaSalle, Ont./University of Windsor, OUA) and video coach Richard Bue (Ottawa, Ont.).

Flanagan is entering her 16th season as head coach of the University of Guelph women’s hockey team, where she helped secure the team’s first-ever national championship in 2019. She has also captured five Ontario University Athletics (OUA) titles, has been named the OUA Coach of the Year on five occasions, has served as assistant coach of Canada’s National Women’s Development Team twice (2011, 2012) and was named a BFL Female Coach of the Year in 2021.

Côté recently served as head coach of the University of Moncton women’s hockey team for two seasons (2018-20) after spending the previous five seasons (2013-18) as an assistant coach, where he won an Atlantic University Sport (AUS) championship. He also served as a camp coach at Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team selection camp in 2022.

Canada’s National Women’s Development Team will join Canada’s National Women’s Team for selection camp in Calgary from Aug. 2-14 and will compete in a three-game series against the United States from Aug. 17-20.

“This is an exciting time for Canada’s National Women’s Program as we welcome a staff of experienced coaches that have been involved at many levels of our program to lead our National Women’s Under-18 Team and National Women’s Development Team this season,” Kingsbury said. “It is also exciting to have all three of our national women’s teams in Calgary to kick off a new hockey season, and we look forward to welcoming our athletes and assembling teams for multiple events this summer.”

For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Women’s Program, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For as long as Jade Iginla can remember, hockey has been a part of her life. Whether it was watching her dad play in the NHL and internationally with Canada, or just experiencing the sport with her two younger brothers, hockey has been there.

“It was always around, growing up in a hockey household,” says Jade, 17. “Getting to watch my dad and have him as a role model, his advice, it really does make a world of difference. Obviously, he’s my dad first, but all his knowledge of the sport is always valuable and appreciated.”

Jarome Iginla needs no introduction to Canadian hockey fans; he spent 20 seasons in the National Hockey League, scored 625 goals and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame last fall.

He also made his mark with Team Canada, recording 47 points in 47 games across seven appearances in red and white, including gold medals at the IIHF World Junior Championship, IIHF World Championship and Olympic Winter Games, in addition to a World Cup of Hockey title.

Jade is the latest member of the Iginla family to step into the international hockey spotlight, wearing the Maple Leaf for the first time with Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team at the 2022 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship.

After missing the preliminary round with an upper-body injury, Jade made her tournament debut for Canada in its quarterfinal against Slovakia. She tallied a total of three points (one goal, two assists) in three games, opening the scoring in a semifinal win over Finland and earning a helper on the 2-0 goal in the gold medal game as Canada claimed a sixth world title.

She hopes to follow in her father’s footsteps, but also wants to see what she can do for herself.

“There’s a lot of pride to representing the Maple Leaf,” says Jade, who will attend Brown University beginning in the fall. “My dad played a huge role in my family and in my life, but I’m also creating my own path with the Canadian program and in hockey.”

For Jarome, he is proud to see Jade’s success and development over the years, whether it was in minor hockey in with Girls Hockey Calgary, with RHA Kelowna in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League, and now with Hockey Canada.

The important piece for Jarome is to continue to support Jade as a father, while sharing his hockey knowledge and experience when it is needed.

“It’s really cool to see her working forwards, having success, and going through the battles,” he says. “It's different being on the other side, but exciting that she has that passion and is representing her country. Just to even make it this far, she's very, very honoured and we are very proud of her.”

To add to the family’s hockey story, Tij Iginla will become the next member to join the Hockey Canada program this summer when he participates in the national under-17 development camp.

The ninth-overall pick by the Seattle Thunderbirds in the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft, Tij, 15, hopes to continue the hockey success in the family.

“Being named to the U17 development camp, being at that level with players across Canada, I’m really looking forward to it,” says Tij. “Jade has been very inspiring [at U18 women’s worlds] and has set a good example for me and my brother (Joe, 13).

“Being able to see my dad, wearing the Maple Leaf throughout his career, seeing Canada’s golden goal [in 2010], for me, my brother and my sister, we want to be like that as well.”

Having hockey in their lives, Jarome is happy to know the family is able to share and experience these moments together thanks to the game, and it’s just getting started.

“I have been always very thankful for our kids,” he says. “They enjoy hockey, and they enjoy sports. It’s something that I’ve been able to share that with them, and have been able to spend time with them. We feel very blessed.”

MADISON, Wisconsin – Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team is bringing home gold from the 2022 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship after a thrilling 3-2 victory over the United States in the gold medal game Monday.

Alexia Aubin (Lévis, Que./Stanstead College, JWHL) opened the scoring just over five minutes into the game, redirecting an Ava Murphy (Kitchener, Ont./Oakville, OWHA U22 Elite) shot from the point past American goaltender Annelies Bergmann, marking Canada’s first power-play goal of the tournament. Madison Chantler (London, Ont./London, OWHA U22 Elite) also provided an assist.  

The score remained 1-0 until just past the midway mark of the second period when a blast from Murphy found the back of the net after a strong forecheck from Jade Iginla (Lake Country, B.C./RHA Kelowna, CSSHL), who was credited with an assist alongside Aubin.

Jocelyn Amos (Ailsa Craig, Ont./London, OWHA U22 Elite) jumped on a rebound to net the eventual game-winner just 58 seconds later to increase the Canadian lead to three, with Karel Préfontaine (Gatineau, Que./Stanstead College, JWHL) and Sara Swiderski (Langley, B.C./RHA Kelowna, CSSHL) chipping in assists.

The United States pushed back late in the second with goals from Finley McCarthy and Claire Enright just seven seconds apart, making it a one-goal game heading into the final frame, but Canada was able to fend off late pressure to capture its sixth gold medal and first since 2019.

“We knew what we had to do. We had to stick together and work on the habits that we have been working on this whole tournament,” said Murphy. “We talked about getting pucks on net, so when the puck came to my stick, I knew what I had to do. I threw the puck in front of the net, and we were lucky to get [our first] goal out of it. I’m so proud of everyone, we really worked hard. To have our dreams come true and win gold is an amazing moment.”

Mari Pietersen (Goodwood, Ont./Etobicoke, OWHA U22 Elite) was terrific in net, shutting the door in the third period as part of a 29-save performance.

A full game summary can be found at HockeyCanada.ca.

Following the gold medal game, Swiderski was named to the media all-star team. In six games, she contributed two assists and 16 shots on goal, and was instrumental in Canada’s defensive efforts with a +6 rating.

“I dreamed about this moment, but I did not believe it would feel this good,” said Swiderski. “It feels great to be recognized [as an all-star], but it is not possible without my teammates; they gave me the opportunities to showcase myself. Our team was aggressive and that brought us momentum today.”

“It was a great effort, there was lots of hunger, lots of battle. The [United States] is such a skilled team, and they are so strong, so we had to grit it out,” said head coach Howie Draper (Edmonton, Alta./University of Alberta, CW). “It is so fun playing in a game this big against such a strong team; you want to get into these tough competitions. Our players were prepared to do anything to find success. They really played for each other.”

Canada finished the preliminary round in third place in Group A after a win over Sweden and losses to Finland and the United States. It booked a spot in the gold medal game with a dominant 7-0 win over Slovakia in the quarterfinals and a narrow 2-1 victory over Finland in the semifinals.

Since 2008, Canada has collected six gold medals at the U18 women’s worlds, to go along with seven silver and one bronze.

For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.