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.

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.

CALGARY, Alta. – After a 2020-21 season that saw limited on-ice opportunities and virtual summer camps, Hockey Canada has announced its men’s and women’s national teams will return to the ice in July for their annual summer camps.

From July 25-Aug. 10, Hockey Canada’s national team program, including the men’s under-18 and under-20 teams, and women’s under-18, NextGen (born in 2003), development and senior national teams, will gather in Calgary for a series of on- and off-ice activities for the first time since 2019.

“After a unique and difficult season, Hockey Canada is thrilled to provide our national team athletes and staff the opportunity to return to the ice for our annual summer camps in Calgary,” said Scott Salmond (Creston, B.C.), senior vice-president of national teams. “We look forward to hosting the top athletes and staff from across the country in July, and are excited to kick off our preparations for a new season and a number of international competitions.”

The Program of Excellence (POE) camps, which includes the men’s under-18 and under-20 programs, will take place at the Seven Chiefs Sportsplex on the Tsuut'ina Nation, while the BFL National Women’s Program Summer Showcase, presented by Sobeys, will take place at WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park. Canada’s National Para Hockey Team will also gather for a five-day off-ice boot camp in preparation for the 2021-22 season and 2022 Paralympic Winter Games.

“This year’s summer camps mark the first time that all levels of the National Women’s Program will participate in camp at the same time, helping us provide consistency with all our athletes and staff throughout the program,” said Gina Kingsbury (Rouyn-Noranda, Que.), director of women’s national teams. “Despite a difficult season, our athletes have done an excellent job of staying connected and working hard with limited resources, and we are excited to get back on the ice this summer as we work towards the upcoming season.”

The following national team camps and programs will be hosted in Calgary this summer:

• National Para Hockey Team boot camp (July 21-25)
• National Women’s Team pre-worlds camp (July 25-Aug. 10)
• National Men’s Under-18 Team summer development camp (July 26-Aug. 3)
• BFL National Women’s Under-18 Team summer camp, presented by Sobeys (July 29-Aug. 5) – including NextGen athletes
• BFL National Women’s Development Team summer camp, presented by Sobeys (July 29-Aug. 9)
• National Junior Team summer development camp (July 29-Aug. 3)

In the coming weeks, Hockey Canada will announce the rosters and staffs for each national team program.

For more information on Hockey Canada, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook and Twitter.

Since 2011, the United Nations has recognized Oct. 11 as International Day of the Girl Child, honouring girls’ rights and the unique challenges they face around the world.

“Only by ensuring the rights of women and girls across all the goals will we get to justice and inclusion, economies that work for all, and sustaining our shared environment now and for future generations.” – United Nations

This year’s campaign is themed My Voice, Our Equal Future, which hopes to inspire today’s generation of girls to lead as activists, thereby accelerating social change. To honour and to celebrate, HockeyCanada.ca brought together gamechangers who advocate for and accelerate change in Canada’s game.

Through various initiatives, including the Hockey Canada Foundation’s Hockey is Hers (see below), Hockey Canada, as a leading national sport organization, is striving towards increased opportunities for more girls to play. Amplifying the actions and voices of national team players and alumni is important to inspire young girls across the country. For Hockey Canada, the goal is to remove barriers so all girls can benefit from the positive life skills and experiences learned on and off the ice.

Why is it important for young girls to see women playing the game at the highest level?

CALGARY, Alta. – Hockey Canada has announced a pool of 109 of the country’s top young players invited to participate in a pair of virtual camps with Canada’s National Women’s Program.

Fifty players (eight goaltenders, 16 defencemen and 26 forwards) are attending the BFL CANADA National Women’s Development Team Summer Camp, presented by Sobeys, meeting weekly until athletes return to university in the fall.

Fifty-nine players (nine goaltenders, 20 defencemen and 30 forwards) attending the BFL CANADA National Women’s Under-18 Team Summer Camp, presented by Sobeys, will meet weekly until the 2021 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship.

The under-18 roster includes three players who won a silver medal at the 2020 IIHF U18 Women’s Championship (Gascon, Paul, Wozniewicz), with another five part of the development roster (Cherkowski, Cooper, Gosling, Messier, Naud).

“It is important to recognize the accomplishment of these athletes being  identified in our program at the under-18 and development level; they are a big part of our future moving forward,” said Gina Kingsbury, director of women’s national teams with Hockey Canada. “The virtual sessions taking place allow us to connect and educate our athletes on their development. We are also trying to take advantage of this opportunity to connect our next-gen athletes with our current senior athletes, creating a strong tie between generations of our program.”

As the virtual meetings progress through the summer, the athletes will cover topics that include at-home strength and conditioning plans, mental performance plans and check-ins, nutrition, dry-land skills, skating simulations, team-building activities, short-term international competition preparation and meetings with coaches.

The online sessions will take place up to twice weekly, with critical information being communicated to athletes to allow them to continue to evolve as high-performance athletes in this new environment, and will utilize the strengths and experience of Canada’s National Women’s Program leadership to help connect one-on-one, athlete-to-athlete.

Coaching staff named for Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team

In addition to the announcement of the rosters, Hockey Canada unveiled the coaching staff tasked to lead Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team for the 2020-21 season.

Howie Draper (Edmonton, Alta./University of Alberta, CW), who has led Canada to gold (2019) and silver (2020) at the IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship, returns behind the bench as head coach.

He will be joined by assistant coaches Alison Domenico (Ottawa, Ont./Providence College, HE) and Team Canada alumna Tara Watchorn (Newcastle, Ont./Boston University, HE), who was an assistant at the 2020 U18 women’s worlds, and goaltending coach Gord Woodhall (Winnipeg, Man./Winnipeg, MFMHL), who joined Draper as part of the medal-winning staffs in 2019 and 2020.

Hockey Canada also announced the support staff that will work with Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team throughout the 2020-21 season, including:

• video coach Steph Thomson (Oshawa, Ont./NAIT, ACAC)
• therapist Danielle McNally (Wolfville, N.S.)
• massage therapist Julie Yew (Montreal, Que.)
• team physician Andi Jones (Penetanguishene, Ont./Penetang, PJHL)
• strength and conditioning coach Jason Weber (Saskatoon, Sask./University of Saskatchewan, CW)
• mental skills coach Paula McQuaid (Charlottetown, P.E.I.)
• equipment manager Brittany Simpson (Ottawa, Ont.)
• national teams manager Tania Kenny (Toronto, Ont.)

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 Twitter.com/HC_Women.

CALGARY, Alta. – Hockey Canada announced today that it has cancelled all summer camps for national teams through Sept. 1 due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. As the decision was made with the health and safety of all coaches, staff and participants as the top priority, Hockey Canada maintains a commitment and high standard of excellence to learning and coaching. As such, various programming and training sessions will be held virtually this summer.

“It is certainly disappointing to come to this decision for our summer events this year, but it is the right decision as we keep the health and safety of our participants a priority,” said Tom Renney, chief executive officer of Hockey Canada. “There is level of camaraderie and learning that takes place in-person, but we have found a way to mitigate some of the impact and still share best-in-class experiences through virtual learning. The coaches and professionals in their field will continue to guide and lead our athletes so when we are able to return to hockey, they will be physically and mentally prepared and equipped to compete at the highest level.”

The following national team camps and programs will be delivered virtually:

• BFL Canada National Women’s Under-18 Team Summer Camp, presented by Sobeys (April 26 until 2021 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship)
• BFL Canada National Women’s Development Team Summer Camp, presented by Sobeys (May 3 until athletes return to university)
• Program of Excellence coach seminar (May 25-June 5)
• Program of Excellence goaltender development camp (June 9-12)
• Canada’s national under-17 development camp (July 19-25)
• Canada’s National Junior Team Sport Chek Summer Development Camp (July 27-31)

Topics for virtual sessions will include at-home strength and conditioning plans, mental performance plans and check-ins, nutrition, dry-land skills, skating simulations, team-building activities, short-term international competition preparation and meetings with coaching staffs.

The online seminar delivery for both women’s programs will take place up to twice weekly, with critical information being communicated to athletes to allow them to continue to evolve as high-performance athletes in this new environment, and will utilize the strengths and experience of Canada’s National Women’s Program leadership to help connect one-on-one, athlete-to-athlete. The men’s programs will take place during the specified dates.

In the coming weeks, Hockey Canada will also be announcing the rosters and staff named to the national team programs.

HOCKEY CANADA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS & EVENTS

Following the March cancellation of the remainder of the 2019-20 hockey season, which included all national championships, Hockey Canada has worked diligently with the various host organizing committees to plan for the 2020-21 season and beyond.

“During these unprecedented times, Hockey Canada has had to make changes to its season schedule to prioritize the health and safety of all participants at our national events, impacting various host committees and communities across the country,” said Scott Smith, president and chief operating officer of Hockey Canada. “We appreciate the support and dedication by our upcoming host committees to adjust our schedule for the next two hockey seasons, and we look forward to working with these communities to put on world-class events.”

The following changes have been made to Hockey Canada event hosting agreements following the cancellation of all spring events this season:

• Prince Albert, Sask., which was set to host the 2020 Esso Cup, Canada’s U18 Women’s Club Championship, will retain its hosting rights for the 2021 Esso Cup. Lloydminster, Alta., will host the 2022 Esso Cup.
• Saint-Hyacinthe, Que., and Cape Breton, N.S., were awarded the TELUS Cup, Canada’s U18 Club Championship, in 2020 and 2021, respectively, but Hockey Canada has worked with both communities and Members to re-assign future hosting. Cape Breton has been confirmed as the host in 2022, and Saint-Hyacinthe is being considered as the host in 2021 or 2023.
• The 2020 Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons, set to be played in Portage la Prairie, Man., will be hosted in Penticton, B.C., in May 2021. Estevan, Sask., will host Canada’s National Junior A Championship in 2022, with the potential for the event to return to Portage la Prairie in 2023.
• Niagara Falls, Ont., was selected to host the 2020 Hockey Canada Foundation Gala & Golf this June, but instead will host the 2021 edition of the event.

While Hockey Canada continues to work closely with local, provincial, territorial and national health authorities, the current event schedule remains unchanged for the fall and winter. This includes the 2020 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, Oct. 31-Nov. 7 in Charlottetown and Summerside, P.E.I.; 2020 National Women’s Under-18 Championship, Nov. 2-8 in Dawson Creek, B.C.; 2020 Canadian Tire Para Hockey Cup, Dec. 6-12 in Bridgewater, N.S.; 2020 World Junior A Challenge, Dec. 13-20 in Cornwall, Ont.; and 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship, Dec. 26 to Jan 5 in in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alta.

For more information on Hockey Canada, please visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow along via social media on Facebook and Twitter.