CALGARY, ALBERTA - Canada's National Women's Team will be convening in Calgary, AB for a four-day camp from March 23-26, 2003 at the Father David Bauer Olympic Arena prior to heading to China for the 2003 IIHF Women's World Hockey Championship, the Canadian Hockey Association announced on Thursday.

Head coach Karen Hughes, along with associate coach Mike Pelino and assistant coach Ken Dufton will be running the team through daily workouts as Canada's National Women's Team looks to defend the World Championship title that Canada has now won seven straight times (1990, 1992, 1994, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001). The 2003 IIHF Women's World Hockey Championship will run from April 2-9, 2003 in Beijing, China.

NOTE TO MEDIA: Players and coaches are available for media interview AFTER practices, unless otherwise indicated. Coordinate all on-site or phone interview requests with the team's Media Relations Manager, André Brin (403-777-3609/403-703-8791).

National Women's Team Camp schedule

(All practices and media availability at Father David Bauer Olympic Arena)

Sunday, March 23rd

10-10:30am Minor hockey skate (Local girls hockey teams/ 9 NWT players)

3:15-4 pm Media availability

5-6:30 pm Practice

Monday, March 24th

9-10:30 am Practice

2:30-4 pm Practice

Tuesday, March 25th

9-10:30 am Practice

4-6 pm Practice

Wednesday, March 26th

10-Noon Practice

4-5:15 pm Practice

Thursday, March 27th

7:15 am Check-in at Calgary Airport

9 am Air Canada Flight AC 205 to Vancouver, BC

12:37 pm Air Canada Flight AC 29 to Beijing, China

Please note that all practices are open to the public free of charge. All practices are subject to change.