The puck slid across the ice with a familiar whisper as Team Canada’s para ice hockey squad prepared for what might become a historic moment in Canadian sports. With the women’s tournament making its long-awaited world championship debut in Green Bay, Wisconsin, our national team has already secured a spot in Saturday’s gold medal game against the host Americans.
“It’s honestly been a long time coming,” said Canadian captain Alanna Mah during yesterday’s practice session. “Many of us have been playing for years without this kind of international stage. Now that we’re here, we want to make it count.”
The tournament represents a watershed moment for women’s para ice hockey. While the men’s game has been featured in the Paralympic Winter Games since 1994, women athletes have fought for decades for similar recognition and competitive opportunities.
Canada earned its berth in the finals after decisive victories against Great Britain and Team World in the preliminary round. The championship features just four teams in this inaugural event – Canada, United States, Great Britain and Team World (a combined squad with players from multiple nations).
“We don’t take anything for granted,” explained Canadian forward Raphaëlle Tousignant. “Every shift on this ice is breaking new ground for the next generation. Some of us never thought we’d see a world championship in our playing careers.”
The Canadian Paralympic Committee has carefully built this program over recent years, with development camps across the country spotting and nurturing talent. Players use specially designed sleds and two shortened sticks with picks on one end for propulsion across the ice. The physical demands combine upper body strength, balance and tactical awareness.
For Coach Tara Chisholm, the tournament goes beyond the competition itself. “This is about recognition. These athletes have trained as hard as any Olympic hopeful, but without the same spotlight or support systems. That’s finally starting to change.”
The statistics tell their own story. Sport Canada reports a 43% increase in women and girls participating in para ice hockey programs nationwide since 2019. Hockey Canada has responded by expanding development programs and coaching resources specifically for the women’s para game.
“I started playing with the boys because there simply wasn’t a girls’ program in my province,” said defender Claire Buchanan, who traveled from Smithers, B.C. “Now we’re seeing all-female teams forming across Canada. The world championship will accelerate that growth.”
The gold medal match pits Canada against their familiar rivals, the Americans. The two nations have dominated Paralympic winter sports for decades, though the U.S. holds a slight edge in recent para ice hockey competitions. Team USA defeated Great Britain 5-0 yesterday to secure their championship berth.
“We’ve studied their game. They’re fast through the neutral zone and physical on the forecheck,” noted Canadian goaltender Tracey Arnold. “But we’ve been preparing for this matchup all year. The rivalry brings out our best hockey.”
Beyond the competition, there’s a sense of responsibility among the Canadian players. Many balance elite training with advocacy work, pushing for increased accessibility in community rinks and more adaptive sports programs nationwide.
“The medal matters, absolutely,” said forward Geneva Coulter during the pre-finals media availability. “But I’m also thinking about the ten-year-old girl watching at home who might see herself in us for the first time.”
Support for the tournament has come from unexpected quarters. Several NHL players have posted social media messages championing the women’s championship. The Montreal Canadiens sent custom team gear to the Canadian squad before they departed for Wisconsin.
“The hockey community is really stepping up,” said Chisholm. “We’ve seen former Olympians reaching out with advice, NHL teams offering practice facilities. The sport is recognizing these women deserve the same respect and resources.”
The economic realities remain challenging. Unlike their Olympic counterparts, most para athletes combine training with full-time jobs or studies. Team Canada defender Jamie Cormack took vacation days from her accounting position to compete. Forward Émilie Lacharité teaches high school in Quebec and scheduled training around her classroom responsibilities.
“We’re still fighting for basic recognition in many ways,” explained Mah. “Some of us paid our own way to national team tryouts not too long ago. The championship helps prove what we’ve always known – this is elite sport deserving proper funding and attention.”
Hockey Canada officials watching the tournament have indicated the results could influence Paralympic program development. While women’s para ice hockey isn’t yet included in the Paralympic Games, many believe this inaugural world championship represents a crucial step toward that goal.
“The International Paralympic Committee is paying attention,” said Canadian Paralympic Committee spokesperson Jean-François Rapatel. “Strong performances and viewer engagement send a powerful message about the viability of women’s para hockey at future Games.”
As game day approaches, the Canadian team maintains its focus through pre-game rituals. Some players tap sticks in sequence, others sit quietly visualizing plays. The shared understanding of what’s at stake creates a unique atmosphere around the team.
“History remembers the pioneers,” Tousignant said, adjusting her equipment before heading to the ice. “Saturday isn’t just about a gold medal. It’s about proving women’s para ice hockey belongs on the international stage for good.”
The gold medal game takes place Saturday at 7 p.m. ET, with broadcast coverage available through the Canadian Paralympic Committee’s streaming platforms.
