Canada’s Para Hockey Team Reaches Historic Milestone

A long-awaited debut on the world stage

Team Canada is competing in the inaugural Women’s Para Ice Hockey World Championships, which began on August 25 in Dolny Kubin, Slovakia. The week-long tournament runs until August 31 and features six teams, including Canada, the United States, Britain, Australia, Norway and a multi-nation “Team World.”

Why this tournament matters

The event represents a critical step toward the inclusion of women’s Para hockey in the 2030 Paralympic Games. While Para hockey has long been part of the Winter Paralympics, only three women in history have played in the mixed-gender event. For Canadian players, the launch of a women’s world championship is seen as a long-overdue recognition of their talent and dedication.

The voices behind the movement

Veteran player Christina Picton of Fonthill, Ont., described the moment as deeply personal. “I always wanted to be there with women’s hockey,” she said, reflecting on her bittersweet Paralympic debut as a nordic skier in 2022. Rising star Raphaelle Tousignant of Terrebonne, Que., echoed the sentiment: “When I started, I quickly realized I wasn’t allowed to have the same dream as my male teammates. Now it’s real.”

How Canada is preparing to compete

Head coach Tara Chisholm, who has led the program since 2013, called the championship “a landmark in the history books of the sport.” Under her leadership, the team has transformed from a small, underfunded collective into a world-class program, with structured training, medical staff, and dedicated volunteers.

Overcoming financial hurdles

Since women’s Para hockey is not yet a Paralympic sport, the team has long struggled with funding. Players previously covered their own travel and training costs, often paying thousands each year. But for this championship, corporate sponsors stepped in, easing the financial burden and allowing athletes to focus fully on competition.

Looking ahead to the Paralympic dream

World Para Ice Hockey must host at least two women’s world championships before submitting a bid for Paralympic inclusion. With events already being planned for 2026 and 2027, momentum is building. For Canada’s athletes, this week in Slovakia is about more than medals—it’s about paving the way for future generations.

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