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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Canadian Women’s Hockey Staff Set for Olympic Return

Two familiar faces from Nova Scotia will once again be behind Canada’s bench when the women’s hockey team begins its quest for gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. Head coach Troy Ryan of Spryfield and assistant coach Kori Cheverie of New Glasgow have been reappointed, renewing a partnership that helped deliver Olympic gold at the 2022 Beijing Games.

A Proven Winning Combination

Ryan, who also guided Canada at the 2018 and 2022 Olympics, called the opportunity a “pinch-me moment,” noting that he once thought he’d never reach such a role. Cheverie, last season’s Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) Coach of the Year with the Montreal Victoire, has worked alongside Ryan for six years. Together, they steered Canada to a 3-2 victory over the United States in the 2022 Olympic final.

Impact of the PWHL on Olympic Preparation

Both Ryan and Cheverie coach in the PWHL — Ryan with the Toronto Sceptres and Cheverie with Montreal. The league, launched in 2024, has brought together top players from around the globe, raising the pace and skill level of the women’s game. Ryan believes this higher standard of competition will carry into the Olympic tournament.

Training Ahead of Italy 2026

In the lead-up to the Games, Hockey Canada will hold training sessions in Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal, working around the PWHL season. Among the 30 players invited to the August camp is Blayre Turnbull of Stellarton, N.S., a veteran forward and Olympic gold medallist.

Grit and Determination from Small-Town Roots

Cheverie says coming from a smaller province fosters a gritty, underdog mentality. That mindset, she believes, has been key to Canada’s international success. For her, Italy will also mark a personal milestone — while she was on the coaching staff in 2022, COVID-19 restrictions kept her from travelling to Beijing.

Looking Toward a Final Olympic Chapter

Ryan has hinted this may be his last Olympic cycle, describing it as an opportunity to pass the torch. Still, the memories of leading Canada on the sport’s biggest stage remain vivid. “Moments like walking into the opening ceremony stay with you forever,” he said, reflecting on the coaches and mentors who shaped his path.

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Olympic Preparation Begins in Calgary

The journey to the 2026 Winter Olympics is officially underway for Canada’s women’s hockey team, with their first training block scheduled to begin August 26 in Calgary. Hockey Canada has invited 30 elite athletes to participate in a newly designed training model that spans three cities and several months, culminating in final team selection ahead of the Milan-Cortina Games in February 2026.

A New Approach to Team Selection

For the first time, Hockey Canada is structuring its Olympic training program around the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) calendar. Unlike previous years, centralization—a process where hopefuls relocated to Calgary for full-time training—has been replaced by short, strategic camps. This shift allows players to fulfill their PWHL commitments while competing for Olympic spots.

Multi-City Training Format

The new Olympic training program includes three blocks. It opens with a three-day orientation in Calgary followed by on-ice training until September 12. The second block begins in Toronto in late September, and the final block is scheduled for late October in Montreal. Each phase includes performance evaluations, team-building activities, and game strategy work.

The program concludes with four key exhibition matches against the U.S. in November and December as part of the Rivalry Series. These are likely to be the only games Team Canada plays together before heading to Italy.

Balancing Club and Country Demands

Hockey Canada’s revamped model aims to maintain athlete health and peak performance amid a demanding season. Players will navigate a packed calendar of PWHL games, national training camps, and Olympic preparation. General Manager Gina Kingsbury emphasized that preserving player wellness was a top priority, given the physical toll of the upcoming season.

“We’re balancing workload, game time, and recovery,” Kingsbury told CBC Sports. “It’s complex, but necessary to help athletes stay healthy for the Olympics.”

Building Team Chemistry in Less Time

Head Coach Troy Ryan acknowledges that reduced time together poses a challenge for developing team cohesion. Still, he believes the condensed format can be effective, especially with many returning Olympians and familiar coaching staff, including assistants Kori Cheverie, Caroline Ouellette, and Britni Smith.

“We’re focusing on relationships and identity,” Ryan said. “Our goal is to enter February as a unified team, even if our prep time is shorter.”

Spotlight on Veterans and Rising Stars

Captain Marie-Philip Poulin, aiming for her fourth Olympic gold, leads the training camp roster. She’s joined by 16 returning players from the 2022 gold-winning team, including goaltenders Ann-Renée Desbiens and Emerance Maschmeyer. Emerging stars like NCAA standout Ève Gascon, defender Sophie Jaques, and PWHL rookie Kati Tabin are also vying for spots.

Selection battles are especially fierce on defense, where seasoned veterans are competing against young up-and-comers for limited roster spots.

PWHL’s Growing Influence on National Team

The PWHL is reshaping Canada’s national program. Strong league performances are giving previously overlooked players a chance to make the Olympic team. “You can’t ignore someone playing consistently great hockey at the pro level,” Ryan said, highlighting the cases of Jaques and Tabin.

Although 30 athletes are currently shortlisted, Hockey Canada remains open to additions based on PWHL performance before finalizing the Olympic lineup.

Final Countdown to Milan 2026

Canada opens its Olympic campaign on February 5 against Finland. With five Olympic golds to date—including the most recent in Beijing 2022—expectations remain high. As Hockey Canada adapts to a new training ecosystem, the team’s sights are firmly set on defending its title in Milan.

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Toronto native Kris Sparre, 38, was officially named the new head coach of the Boston Fleet on July 23, 2025, at a press conference in Wellesley, Massachusetts. The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) franchise made the announcement following the departure of Courtney Kessel, who led the team to a Walter Cup Finals appearance before accepting a coaching role at Princeton University.

Coaching Change Signals New Direction

Sparre takes over from Kessel, who left behind a 27-19-8 record in the Fleet’s inaugural season. With his appointment, the PWHL now features only two female head coaches among eight teams. Sparre’s hiring reflects a growing openness to cross-gender coaching within the professional women’s game—a trend gaining traction across multiple sports leagues.

Why Boston Chose Sparre Despite No Women’s Hockey Background

Fleet general manager Danielle Marmer emphasized Sparre’s decade-long coaching record in elite men’s leagues, including the AHL and Austria’s ICE Hockey League. Marmer cited Sparre’s history of balancing player development with competitive performance as key to his appeal. She dismissed concerns over his lack of experience in the women’s game, stating, “These are professional athletes. He’s coached professionals before. That’s what matters.”

Sparre Embraces Boston’s Winning Tradition

Sparre expressed excitement at the opportunity, saying the Fleet’s legacy and Boston’s sports culture were strong draws. At the press event, he outlined his vision of building a championship-caliber program, stating, “I didn’t see this as men’s or women’s hockey. I saw it as the highest level of the game and an incredible opportunity to coach the best in the world.”

Building the Roster for Season Two

The Fleet currently retain eight players from their 2024-25 squad but will need to fill major gaps, including that left by former captain Hilary Knight. Knight, a league MVP finalist, was unprotected in the expansion draft and has signed with the PWHL’s new Seattle team. Her departure presents a challenge Sparre will need to address early in his tenure.

AHL Pedigree Meets PWHL Potential

Sparre’s resume includes assistant coaching roles with Red Bull Salzburg and the San Diego Gulls, where he developed rising talent for the Anaheim Ducks. His move to women’s hockey marks a career pivot but aligns with his coaching philosophy: work with elite athletes and foster growth. “This is where I want to be—helping driven players reach the next level,” Sparre said.

Looking Ahead

As the PWHL enters its second season, Sparre’s leadership will be closely watched across the league. With proven experience and a fresh perspective, the Toronto-area native aims to guide the Boston Fleet back to the Walter Cup Finals—and this time, finish the job.

For ongoing coverage of the PWHL and Canadian sports updates, follow Maple Wire.

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