CALGARY, Alta. – Hockey Canada is proud to recognize the 23 players – three goaltenders, seven defence and 13 forwards – that would have represented Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team this month at the 2022 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship.
Canada was looking to earn its first gold medal since 2019 in Linköping and Mjölby, Sweden, but the ongoing uncertainty and changing landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic forced the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) to cancel the championship for the second consecutive year, just two weeks before the puck dropped.
“Our disappointment of not competing in the championship this month does not overshadow the dedication and hard work our athletes and staff put in to be ready to compete,” said Gina Kingsbury, director of hockey operations. “I am extremely proud of this group. It is crucial for the development of these athletes, as well as the growth of the women’s game, to be able to hold this tournament, and we remain hopeful there is an opportunity for them to showcase their talents and represent Canada on the world stage in the near future.”
Howie Draper (Edmonton, Alta./University of Alberta, CWUAA), who led Canada to gold and silver at the 2019 and 2020 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championships, returned for his fourth year behind the bench. He is joined by assistant coaches Vicky Sunohara (Scarborough, Ont./University of Toronto, OUA) and Tara Watchorn (Newcastle, Ont./Stonehill College, NEWHA), and goaltending coach Gord Woodhall (Winnipeg, Man./Winnipeg, MFHL).
Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team has won five gold medals (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2019), seven silver medals (2008, 2009, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2020) and one bronze (2018) at the IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship.
For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or following along through social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram