Questions & Answers with Esther Madziya
The Hockey Canada communications manager opens up about her career path, working in sports media as a minority woman and what she’s telling the next generation
If you’re a working media member that has covered Canada’s National Women’s Team over the last four years, you know the name Esther Madziya.
But if you’re not and you don’t, you should.
A Hockey Canada communications manager, Madziya was part of the staff with the Olympic gold medal-winning team at Beijing 2022, sandwiched around a pair of IIHF Women’s World Championship gold medals, spending weeks and months on end in bubbles and quarantines during the COVID-19 pandemic, away from family and friends, with that singular golden goal in mind.
Outside of her Team Canada work, Madziya is an integral part of the Hockey Canada family, and was recognized for her contributions with the Hal Lewis Award as the organization's staff person of the year for the 2018-19 season.
To celebrate National Women and Girls in Sports Day and Black History Month, HockeyCanada.ca sat down with Madziya to talk about her journey and how the industry has evolved for minority women.
HC: How did you get your start in sports media?
EM: I went to SAIT [the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in Calgary] and took the broadcast journalism program. The program has evolved since then, but it was called CTSR – Cinema, Stage, Television and Radio. And then you could specialize in whatever you wanted to do.
I wasn't sure what I wanted to do at school. Way back when, I wanted to get into accounting, which is not my jam at all, but I always liked sports. And I thought, ‘You know what, maybe I want to get into sports.’ So I took the broadcast program at SAIT, with the hope of getting into sports broadcasting and one day maybe being on TSN.
I ended up getting a job in radio. I did a practicum in Lethbridge, which is my hometown, at the radio station. The station also had the broadcast rights to Lethbridge Hurricanes games, so I was covering the intermission reports and updating scores and stats, and it just evolved from there.
HC: What was the landscape like in sports media for women when you came out of university?
EM: At that the time, there weren't a lot of women in sports. There was also not a lot of diversity, in broadcasting and in sports in particular.
Growing up, my parents always said, ‘No matter what happens, you are going to have to work harder than the next person. You're going to have to prove yourself all the time, because you are a woman and because you are a minority. Nothing's going to come easy for you.’
So that was just something that always stuck with me. And I remember some of my colleagues at SAIT, as we got closer to graduation, saying that it would be easier for me to get a job because I was a woman and a minority, which I didn’t necessarily agree with. But if being a woman and being a minority was going to get my foot in the door, then you know what, I'll accept it. But at the same time, if I can't do my job, it's not going to keep the door open very long.
It was just the reality of, you're going to have to work twice as hard as the next person if you want to have any opportunities. That was just something that always stuck with me.
HC: You’re coming up on nine years with Hockey Canada later this week; what was the career path to get here?
EM: I worked at the radio station in Lethbridge for four years, working the morning show and doing intermission reports with the Hurricanes. I moved into television at Global Lethbridge for a few years, and in 2002 was lucky enough to get a position as a sports reporter at Global Saskatoon. I focused on a lot of university sports, did men's and women's hockey, reporting on those. That was my beat. Canadian Junior Football, I covered the Saskatoon Hilltops. I covered volleyball, curling – learned a lot about curling – covered a lot of SJHL hockey, minor hockey, all that kind of stuff.
In 2010 there were cutbacks, and the industry as a whole was changing, so I decided to go home to Lethbridge. I went back to the radio station, started doing the morning show again, which I never thought I’d do, and was involved with Hurricanes games on both TV and radio.
A year later, the Hurricanes’ communications manager took another job in the Western Hockey League, and the team offered me the position. I was with the team for four years before the Hockey Canada position came open, and I started in February 2015.
HC: You’ve had the opportunity to work with amazing athletes, travel to amazing places, have a front-row seat to Canadian hockey history. What is that like?
EM: Honestly, it's hard to describe, because unless you're in it, you can't even really describe it. But never in my wildest dreams would have imagined that I'd have the opportunities that have come my way. I never would have imagined that I would have gone to some of the places that I've gone, had the opportunity to work with some of the athletes that I've worked with, had the opportunity to cover events, whether it’s from the event side or being embedded with a team.
I think the other piece that makes it special is what it means to my family. My family is incredibly proud of just seeing that this kid who, when she was younger, probably didn't always have the greatest focus on her studies, is doing what she's doing now.
There are times when I’ve hosted a press conference, and my family tells their friends, ‘That's our kid. That's my sister. That's my daughter.’ They're so proud of that, and that means the world to me, but I also know that I've always tried to be really respectful and try to work hard, and do right by the Madziya name. It means a lot to them, just as much as it means to me.
HC: You’ve mentioned your family a few times, and the influence they’ve had on you. How important has that support system been as you’ve progressed through your career?
EM: No matter what I wanted to do with my life, they've always just been in my corner. And I think for any kid to have their parents say, ‘We're so proud of you, no matter what you do. We see the work that you do,’ it's a cool thing.
Our last name is Madziya. We're the only Madziya family here in Canada, and they're really proud of that. Their support just means a lot, because they've always been there. My mom always says, ‘Look at the opportunities that you've been given, look at the jobs that you've had, and appreciate that. And even though there might be some hard times along the way, those hard times strengthen you and they're the reason that you keep having the opportunities that come your way.’
HC: To be one of the faces of Team Canada with national and international media… does that carry a little more weight, mean a little more, because you’re a minority woman?
EM: Absolutely, because there still is a little bit of, ‘Do I really belong here?’ In the back of my mind, there is still that little bit of… watch how you walk, watch how you carry yourself, watch how you're dealing with somebody, watch how you're dealing with other media, because if you offend somebody, it’s pretty easy to say, ‘Well, it was her.’
In the back of my mind, I'm always still thinking about working twice as hard. I just don't want to make any missteps, because I feel like somebody is just waiting for me to make a mistake to say, ‘See, that person can't do it. She's not qualified. She was just a token hire.’
Those things still play in the back of my mind. I don't think those things will ever not play in the back of my mind.
HC: Women’s hockey has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years, and you’ve been able to see it up close. What has that been like to watch the game evolve?
EM: It’s pretty cool to see, because there's a lot of hard work that's gone into growing the game, and you see how passionate the athletes are, but you also see how passionate the staff is. So seeing where it's at and seeing so many people work so hard, that brings me a lot of joy, because they had their dreams when they were a little girl. And to see where things are at and to see the things that they've been able to do and accomplish, but to also get a front row seat to it, is pretty cool.
And I think one of the neatest things for me is that because I've been here nine years and have worked up and down the National Women’s Program, and at national events like the National Women’s Under-18 Championship, I’ve been able to see players from 16, 17, 18 years old through to the national team, and see the difference they’re making now. It’s pretty cool to see that progression – as hockey players and as women.
HC: Throughout your career in the media industry, how have you seen the doors open for women, and for minorities?
EM: It's like night and day. The industry has changed for the better. There are more opportunities, more doors opening up today. I think a lot of organizations have looked at their product and asked, ‘Is our TV program, is our news program, is our sports program indicative of what the rest of Canada looks like?’ Because it has to, otherwise you're not going to connect with people and you're going to lose them.
There are so many different avenues today. There are podcasts and influencers and so many other things that people are doing on their own. You're seeing a lot more women in different roles. And we're seeing a lot more of that because it's about hiring the best person that's out there.
HC: What advice do you have for women, or minorities, that want to get into sports but maybe don't feel like they have a path?
EM: If that's what you want to do, pursue it. Don't let anybody stop you. Somebody may say no, a door may close, but it's not no forever, and there's going to be another opportunity. Obviously if somebody says no, it cuts deep, but it just means not right now. Know that you belong there just as much as the next person. At the end of the day, everybody puts their pants on the same way.
So, pursue what you want to do. Don't take no for an answer, do your research, be confident and go in knowing that you know that you can do the job. Treat people with respect, and you'll hopefully get that respect back. Nobody should ever tell you that you don't belong.
In My Own Words: Anthony Lapointe
One of the country’s top up-and-coming linespersons talks about his unique journey in the game as a player and official, juggling school and hockey, and working with young officials
As a player and an official, I haven’t had what you would call a ‘traditional’ path in hockey.
My playing days didn’t begin until I was almost a teenager, and my time wearing the stripes stopped and started before I got onto the journey I find myself on today.
I guess I’ll start there. I work as a linesperson in a number of leagues in and around Quebec. This season, I’ve done games in the American Hockey League (AHL), ECHL, Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) and Ligue de hockey junior AAA du Québec (LHJAAAQ), with U SPORTS and with Hockey Lac St-Louis, my local region.
Oh, and I serve as referee-in-chief of the AHM de Mont-Royal/Outremont, working with young officials.
And did I mention I’m a full-time student, finishing my degree in physical education at McGill University?
It’s a lot, but I love the game.
As I said earlier, I got into the game late. Growing up in Montreal, I watched PK Subban on TV and wanted to be just like him. I knew I wasn’t going to actually make it to the NHL, but I wanted to get on the ice and see where the game would take me. More than anything, I just wanted to have fun.
I was already an active kid. I was always outside, always playing games, but never anything too organized, outside of a couple years of soccer. In school, I lived for sports. I’d make sure I was on every single extracurricular team there was. And I’d be at school all day; from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., I’d be in class. And then from 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., I’d be playing sports.
Finally, when I was 12, my mom agreed to sign me up for minor hockey.
I’m pretty sure I was late for my first tryouts, so I just ended up on a random team, but I loved it. I never played too competitive, never got to AAA or anything like that, but I was just happy to be playing.
Shortly after I started playing, my dad left. So, it was just the five of us – my mom, myself and my three siblings. Money was tight. But my mom kept me in hockey. She kept all of us in the things we loved. She always put her children first, and made sure we had what we wanted.
If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Heck, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t even know how to skate!
So… Mom, if you’re reading this, thank you. You are the reason I am here today. I love you.
I played minor hockey through to U18, and I thought my playing career was done at that point. Until I got a phone call from the coach at Cégep André-Laurendeau, asking if I wanted to join the college team. I was surprised, because I had never considered collegiate hockey, but I had a buddy on the team who recommended me.
It was already December, and the season was two months old, but I was on the ice the next day and quickly found myself a member of the Boomerang. That was my home for the next two years.
When that chapter was complete, I knew I wanted to stay involved in the game. I wanted to be active, wanted to be on the ice.
My coach told me he knew a guy if I ever wanted to be an official, so I thought… why not?
I did say earlier that my officiating career stopped and started. I actually got my start as an official when I was 16. But at that point, I didn’t want to work the two-man system and do U11 and U13 games. It wasn’t for me.
Fast forward four or five years, and it was a different story. The guy my coach knew was Doug Hayward, who has spent decades involved in officiating in Quebec. He’s has earned provincial and national recognition working with young officials, so when he spoke, I listened.
I decided to give it a real go this time.
It didn’t take long to realize officiating was something I was good at, and something that could be more than – as I considered it – a great way to serve the game and stay physically active. I was working AAA games my first year, and after that first year I got the call to go to the NHL Officiating Exposure Combine. Then I got hired in the QMJHL. Then I got hired in the AHL. Then I got hired in the ECHL. I was like, “Okay, this happening.”
Last season, I started to get more attention nationally and internationally. I attended the provincial Member camp in Quebec, and got an invite to the National High Performance Officiating Camp in Calgary, just about a year ago.
I’ve worked the TELUS Cup, Junior A World Challenge, Centennial Cup and Hlinka Gretzky Cup, working with some of the best officials from across the country. That kind of experience only makes me better on and off the ice.
Hockey Canada helped me get my B license with the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), and that led to my first-ever international assignment – the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship, Division 2A in Dumfries, Scotland.
That was a crazy experience. I spent the first three days just watching, because my luggage didn’t show up. I flew Montreal-Paris-Amsterdam-Edinburgh, and my connection in Paris was only 45 minutes. It’s a huge airport, so I had a feeling my luggage wasn’t making it.
But it was a really nice event. When you work IIHF events, you get to meet new people and you create friendships. We were 11 officials over there, and there are three or four that I still talk to on a regular basis. I’m excited to do more events like that in the future.
The question I get a lot is: How? How do I juggle officiating and school, along with everyday life?
I’d say it’s easier now than it was a few years ago. When I started officiating, I didn’t really know what was going on, so I’d bring my laptop to the rink. I’d show up half an hour early just to finish my work. And then when I got back home after hockey, I’d hop back on the computer and finish my assignments.
I just always have my computer when I travel. If I take a plane, which I do usually once a month, I’ll show up an hour earlier and just do some work to make sure it’s done.
Most of my teachers are understanding. There has definitely been some hockey that I have had to miss out on because I had to be in class, but for most of the part there has been a good balance.
Sleep has taken a bit of a hit, because I’ll either stay up really late or get up really early to finish some work because I know I’m travelling four or five hours for a game. The last thing I want to do when I get home at two in the morning is homework. So, I’ll sleep four or five hours, wake up early, finish my work and then submit it. I’ve made it work, and I’m almost done!
As exciting as being on the ice in some of the best leagues in the world is, there’s something special about working with the young officials with the AHM de Mont-Royal/Outremont.
There are two things I tell young officials:
Number one, you have to make sure you’re having fun. If you’re not having fun, this is not for you, and I won’t take it personally if you don’t want to officiate anymore.
Number two, everybody is human. It’s normal to make mistakes. I’m officiating at the professional level, but that doesn’t mean I don’t make a mistake. But you need to acknowledge your mistakes and learn from your mistakes to get better.
When I go to rinks to supervise, the officials get so stressed whenever they see me walk in the building. So, the first thing I do is tell them, “Let’s relax here. I’m not here to judge you. I’m here to help you.”
Before I wrap up, I just wanted to reiterate that I’m extremely lucky to be in the position I’m in, and I don’t take it for granted. It’s hard to believe I’ve only been an official for four years.
But it’s all about the love of the game, as I’ve mentioned a couple times.
The official may be the “law and order” on the ice, but I really do go out there with a smile on my face and try to make friends. I don’t want to make enemies. Whenever I have an opportunity to shoot a joke, I’ll take it. I’ll see a player, I’ll make a joke and we’ll build off of that.
The next time we’re on the ice together, I’m happy to see them and hopefully they’re happy to see me too.
Just like I tell my officials … if you’re not having fun, this probably isn’t for you!
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
National Women’s Team roster unveiled for Canadian leg of Rivalry Series
Team Canada to face United States in Halifax and Summerside for series finale
CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada has announced the 25 players who have been named to Canada’s National Women’s Team for the Canadian leg of the 2024-25 Rivalry Series, Feb. 6 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and concluding Feb. 8 in Summerside, Prince Edward Island.
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, CHA), along with goaltending consultant Brad Kirkwood (Calgary, AB/Toronto, PWHL), also provided input.
“We are excited about the group of players we have assembled for these final two games against the Americans, which gives us another chance to look at the depth of our program while we look ahead to the IIHF Women’s World Championship in April,” said Kingsbury. “We are thrilled to immerse ourselves within two passionate hockey communities, meet with fans and showcase women’s hockey to everyone in Halifax and Summerside.”
The roster features 21 players who suited up for the first three games in the United States in November (Ambrose, Bell, Clark, Desbiens, Fast, Fillier, Gosling, Jenner, Larocque, Maltais, Maschmeyer, Nurse, O’Neill, Poulin, Rattray, Serdachny, Shelton, Stacey, Thompson, Turnbull, Watts).
Canada leads the United States 2-1 in this year’s Rivalry Series, posting back-to-back victories (5-4 and 4-1 wins) after dropping the opening game during the U.S. leg. Since the start of the Rivalry Series during the 2018-19 season, Canada holds a 17-14 advantage over the Americans.
TSN and RDS, the official broadcast partners of Hockey Canada, will broadcast both games; please check local listings for details. Media wishing to attend the games in Halifax and Summerside must fill out an online accreditation form.
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.
Rivalry Series Preview: Canada vs. United States
Sunday, November 10 | 5 p.m. MT | Boise, Idaho | Game 3
GAME NOTES: CANADA VS. UNITED STATES (NOV. 10)
The U.S. leg of the Rivalry Series comes to a close Sunday in Boise as Canada’s National Women's Team looks to take a lead in the series back to Canada ahead of the February finale.
Last Meeting & Last Game
Canada evened up the series with a wild 5-4 shootout win on Friday night in West Valley City, Utah. Laura Stacey scored twice in regulation, but the Canadians gave back a three-goal lead in the third period and needed heroics from 17-year-old Chloe Primerano, who scored as nice as shootout goal as you’re going to see to clinch the victory in the fifth round.
What to Watch
It’s becoming increasingly more obvious – Stacey loves the spotlight. The Kleinburg, Ontario, product potted a pair of goals in Game 2, continuing her trend of showing up for big games. Beginning with the 2022 Olympic Winter Games, Stacey has recorded 27 points (14-13—27) in 44 games at the Olympics, Women’s Worlds or Rivalry Series; that’s almost two-thirds of her career scoring total in almost half of her career games (she has 44 points in 98 games). The veteran line with Stacey alongside Blayre Turnbull and Emily Clark has been a steadying force for the Canadians, chipping in three of the six regulation-time goals through the first two games.
It will be a homecoming Sunday night for Hilary Knight; the American captain will play in her home state for the first time – Boise is three hours west of her hometown of Sun Valley. Knight continues to produce at 35 years old – she scored twice in the final six minutes on Friday to help the U.S. erase a late three-goal deficit and force overtime, and has eight points (4-4—8) in eight Rivalry Series games across the last two seasons. The future Hall of Famer is closing in on 300 points in her Team USA career (she’s currently at 276) and owns a handful of Women’s Worlds records, including most medals (14), goals (65) and points (111).
Milestone Watch
After scoring a shorthanded goal on Friday night, Marie-Philip Poulin needs just one point to pass Hockey Hall of Fame forward Danielle Goyette for fourth place in all-time National Women’s Team scoring (219 points).
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, while Stacey and Sarah Nurse will both play the 99th game of their international careers as they inch closer to the 100-game plateau.
A Look Back
Idaho becomes the 19th different state to host the Canada-United States rivalry, with the Canadians holding a 35-29-1 edge in games played south of the border.
If history tells us anything, overtime is a distinct possibility; of the 65 games to be played on U.S. ice since 1994, 16 have required extra time, including seven of the last 15. The first to go past 60 minutes was the gold medal game at the 1995 Pacific Rim Championship, a 2-1 Canadian shootout win, and Caroline Ouellette was the first to score an overtime winner for Canada, in the gold medal game at the 2012 Women’s Worlds.
All-time record: Canada leads 106-80-1 (25-20 in OT/SO) Canada goals: 521 United States goals: 461
Rivalry Series Preview: Canada vs. United States
Friday, November 8 | 7 p.m. MT | West Valley City, Utah | Game 2
GAME NOTES: CANADA VS. UNITED STATES (NOV. 8)
It’s right back to work in the Rivalry Series for Canada’s National Women's Team, which looks to bounce back from an opening-game loss when it takes on the United States in the Salt Lake City suburb of West Valley City on Friday night.
Last Meeting & Last Game
Canada opened the series with a 7-2 loss to the U.S. on Wednesday night in San Jose, California. Blayre Turnbull and Sarah Nurse scored 92 seconds apart late in the second period to provide the Canadian offence, but a five-goal first period for the Americans proved to be the difference. Ann-Renée Desbiens was solid in relief of starter Kristen Campbell, turning aside 12 of 14 shots over the final 40 minutes.
What to Watch
Daryl Watts took a rather unique route to her Team Canada debut in San Jose. After winning a pair of silver medals at the IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship in 2016 and 2017, the Toronto native embarked on a historic college career, becoming the first freshman to win the Patty Kazmaier Award as NCAA player of the year with Boston College in 2018 and winning a national title with the University of Wisconsin in 2021. She signed a record-breaking contract with the Toronto Six in January 2023 and won the PHF championship a few months later before she heard her name called by Ottawa in the inaugural PWHL Draft, leading the team in goals before signing with the Toronto Sceptres. Now she can call herself a National Women’s Team alumna.
Laila Edwards was the MVP of the 2024 IIHF Women’s World Championship on home ice in Utica, scoring a tournament-leading six goals in seven games. She also took home the Bob Allen Women’s Player of the Year Award from USA Hockey. But a new season means a new challenge, and Edwards has made the move from forward to defence – she lined up alongside veteran Megan Keller on the Americans’ top pairing in the series opener on Wednesday night. She didn’t look out of place (she had played on the blue line in minor hockey and high school), recording a pair of assists in the win.
Milestone Watch
Marie-Philip Poulin needs just one point to tie Hockey Hall of Fame forward Danielle Goyette for fourth place in all-time National Women’s Team scoring (218 points).
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, while Sarah Nurse and Laura Stacey will both play the 98th game of their international careers as they inch closer to the 100-game plateau.
A Look Back
There’s plenty of history attached to this one. The Maverik Center was formerly known as the E Center, and was the site of the hockey tournaments at the 2002 Olympic Winter Games.
Canadian hockey fans know how the women’s tournament ended – on Feb. 21, 2002, Jayna Hefford scored the winner in the dying seconds of the second period and Canada edged the U.S. 3-2 to win their first-ever Olympic gold medal.
All-time record: Canada leads 105-80-1 (24-20 in OT/SO) Canada goals: 516 United States goals: 457
Rivalry Series Preview: Canada vs. United States
Wednesday, November 6 | 7 p.m. PT | San Jose, California | Game 1
GAME NOTES: CANADA VS. UNITED STATES (NOV. 6)
Canada’s National Women's Team gets a new season underway Wednesday night against a very familiar foe as the 2024-25 edition of the Rivalry Series begins in northern California.
Last Meeting & Last Game
The cross-border rivals last met April 14 in Utica, New York, in the gold medal game at the 2024 IIHF Women’s World Championship. Needing overtime after a wild third period that saw the Canadians and Americans combine for four goals in six minutes, Danielle Serdachny was the heroine, knocking in an Erin Ambrose rebound 5:19 into the extra period to give Canada a 6-5 win and a 13th world title. Ambrose finished with a goal and an assist, while Marie-Philip Poulin lived up to her Captain Clutch moniker once again with a pair of goals.
The Rivalry Series finale went Feb. 11 in St. Paul, Minnesota, with Canada – for the second year in a row – completing a reverse sweep. Natalie Spooner and Emma Maltais scored a pair of goals each (and both added an assist), Sarah Nurse added three helpers and the Canadians romped to a 6-1 victory in Game 7, clinching a fourth-straight win and a series triumph.
What to Watch
All eyes on Chloe Primerano. The 17-year-old defender – who passed Ambrose to became the highest-scoring blue-liner in National Women’s Under-18 Team history in the summer series against the U.S. and appears set to lead Canada into the 2025 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship in January – will become the second-youngest defender to play for Canada’s National Women’s Team, just two weeks older than Cheryl Pounder was at the 1994 Women’s Worlds. The North Vancouver, B.C., native has been terrific as a freshman at the University of Minnesota, posting six points (1-5—6) in 10 games for the third-ranked Golden Gophers.
The Americans are bringing a decidedly younger roster to San Jose than Canada, with 10 of the 27 players plying their trade in college hockey this season. Leading that group is University of Wisconsin fifth-year senior Casey O’Brien, who is atop the NCAA with 26 points (7-19—26) in 12 games for the undefeated and No. 1-ranked Badgers. O’Brien, who made her national team debut during last year’s Rivalry Series, wasn’t among the first group of players named to the U.S. roster in early October, but played her way onto the team with her red-hot start.
Milestone Watch
Poulin needs just one point to tie Hockey Hall of Fame forward Danielle Goyette for fourth place in all-time National Women’s Team scoring (218 points).
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, while Nurse will play the 97th game of her international career as she inches closer to the 100-game plateau.
A Look Back
It’s the 186th meeting between Canada and the United States, dating back to 1990.
The head-to-head history favours the Canadians, but the Americans have a narrow advantage in San Jose, winning three of five. Canada got the ‘W’ the last time the teams met at the Shark Tank, scoring a 3-1 victory as part of a pre-Olympic series in December 2017 thanks to goals from Nurse, Poulin and Haley Irwin.
All-time record: Canada leads 105-79-1 (24-20 in OT/SO) Canada goals: 514 United States goals: 450
National Women’s Team roster unveiled for first leg of Rivalry Series
Team Canada to face United States starting Nov. 6 in San Jose, California
CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada has announced the 25 players who will wear the Maple Leaf with Canada’s National Women’s Team for the first three games of the 2024-25 Rivalry Series, starting Nov. 6 in San Jose, California.
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, CHA), along with goaltending consultant Brad Kirkwood (Calgary, AB/Toronto, PWHL), also provided input.
“The 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship is only six months away, and getting a look at our team and roster depth begins with these first three games,” said Kingsbury. “These teams know each other very well, but we still have an opportunity to build on what we worked on at September camp as we evaluate ourselves now and throughout the season.”
The roster includes 21 players who helped Canada win its 13th gold medal at the 2024 IIHF Women’s World Championship (Ambrose, Bell, Bourbonnais, Campbell, Clark, Desbiens, Fast, Fillier, J. Gosling, Jenner, Larocque, Maltais, Maschmeyer, Nurse, O’Neill, Poulin, Rattray, Serdachny, Shelton, Stacey, Turnbull).
Chloe Primerano (North Vancouver, BC/University of Minnesota, WCHA) and Daryl Watts (Toronto, ON/Toronto, PWHL) will also make their National Women’s Team debuts in the cross-border competition.
Atlantic Canada will be the backdrop for the final two games of the series next February. The first stop will take place at Scotiabank Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia, home of the Halifax Mooseheads of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), on Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. AT. The teams will then travel to Summerside, P.E.I., to play at Credit Union Place, home of the Summerside Western Capitals of the Maritime Hockey League (MHL), on Saturday, Feb. 8 at 7 p.m. AT.
Hockey Canada, in partnership with its 13 Members, will announce grassroots initiatives for both Canadian stops, ensuring Canada’s National Women’s Team engages with the community and leaves a lasting legacy with the next generation.
TSN and RDS, the official broadcast partners of Hockey Canada, will broadcast all five games in the series; check local listings for details.
Canada has won the Rivalry Series in back-to-back seasons, winning the final four games in 2023 and 2024 to secure victory in seven games. Since the start of the Rivalry Series during the 2018-19 season, Canada holds a 15-13 advantage over the Americans.
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.
48 players invited to Canada’s National Women’s Team September Camp, presented by BFL CANADA
21 world champions among group of players to begin 2024-25 season in Thorold
CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada has invited 48 of the nation’s best players to Canada’s National Women’s Team September Camp, presented by BFL CANADA, Sept. 9-15 at Canada Games Park in Thorold, Ontario.
Six goaltenders, 16 defence and 26 forwards were selected by general manager Gina Kingsbury (Rouyn-Noranda, QC/Toronto, PWHL), senior manager of player development and scouting Cherie Piper (Scarborough, ON) and head coach Troy Ryan (Spryfield, NS/Toronto, PWHL). Assistant coaches Kori Cheverie (New Glasgow, NS/Montréal, PWHL), Caroline Ouellette (Montréal, QC/Concordia University, RSEQ) and Britni Smith (Port Perry, ON/Syracuse University, CHA), and goaltending consultant Brad Kirkwood (Calgary, AB/Toronto, PWHL) also provided input on player selections.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to evaluate the depth of talent in our player pool and set the tone for the upcoming season,” said Kingsbury. “We will also continue to grow and build on our identity as a team as we prepare for the Rivalry Series and ultimately the IIHF Women’s World Championship next April in Czechia.”
The roster includes 21 players who helped Canada capture its 13th gold medal at the 2024 IIHF Women’s World Championship (Ambrose, Bell, Bourbonnais, Campbell, Clark, Desbiens, Fast, Fillier, J. Gosling, N. Gosling, Jenner, Larocque, Maltais, Nurse, O’Neill, Poulin, Rattray, Serdachny, Shelton, Stacey, Turnbull).
It also includes seven players attending their first camp with Canada’s National Women’s Team (Amos, Cooper, Kraemer, Pais, Primerano, Watts, Woods).
The players will be split into Red and White teams for practices, fitness testing and a pair of intrasquad games. Brock University will be hosting the Red-White intrasquad games on Sept. 12 and 14 at Canada Games Park. Click here to purchase tickets. Media wishing to attend camp must apply for accreditation HERE.
Hockey Canada also announced the support staff that will work with Canada’s National Women’s Team for the 2024-25 season:
- Video coach Andrew Boucher (Timmins, ON)
- Strength and conditioning coach Vicki Bendus (Wasaga Beach, ON/Montréal, PWHL)
- Equipment managers Alana Goulden (Aurora, ON/Toronto, PWHL) and Blair Smook (Airdrie, AB)
- Team physician Laura Bennion (Vancouver, BC)
- Therapists Christine Atkins (Fort Macleod, AB) and Danielle McNally (Wolfville, NS)
- Massage therapist Meagan Cowell (London, ON)
- Mental performance consultant Sommer Christie (Montréal, QC)
- Senior hockey operations manager Dylan Rockwell (Calgary, AB)
- Hockey operations manager Savannah Newton (Halifax, NS)
- Hockey operations coordinator Cassidy Wait (North Vancouver, BC)
- Media relations manager Esther Madziya (Lethbridge, AB)
For a complete list of camp support staff, please click here.
Following September camp, players will prepare for the season with their PWHL and college teams before a roster is named for the first international competition of the season, the 2024-25 Rivalry Series starting Nov. 6 in San Jose, California.
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 and Instagram.
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