National Team Roster Announced for 2024 Season

TORONTO, Ontario (January 20, 2024) - Women’s Para Hockey of Canada (WPHC) has unveiled the roster of 20 players set to proudly don the red and white as part of the Women’s National Para Hockey team for the 2024 season.

The selection process, conducted over five days at Canada Games Park in Thorold, ON, featured rigorous evaluation, culminating in two Red vs. White scrimmages. Comprising of 3 goaltenders, 7 defense, and 10 forwards, the chosen lineup reflects a wealth of both talent and potential hailing from 6 different provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec.

"This is one of the most well rounded teams we have ever been able to field. These women are not just great athletes but all around great human beings who are pushing the sport forward in multiple ways. We have a lot of youth on our team, along with veteran presence, which is exciting not only for this season but as we look towards the 2025 Women's World Championships and the larger goal of the 2030 Paralympic Games." Tara Chisholm

Notably, the roster includes 15 returnees who played key roles in Canada’s silver medal effort at the 2023 IPC Women’s Para Ice Hockey World Challenge in Green Bay, WI, USA.

Members of the roster and coaching staff will begin preparations for a Canada vs. USA series expected to take place early in 2024, along with other various events throughout the season.

"Due to the Women's World Challenge historically being held in late summer we have had to shift the hockey season to go through the summer. Many of these women have already been going hard with their club and provincial teams since September so taking a larger roster definitely helps us to pace players where we can. It's not ideal but right now we are willing to do whatever we can to work with our International Federation to eventually get our women into the Paralympic Games."

In addition to those on the roster, 3 athletes have been placed on the injured reserve. These players will still have a chance to earn a spot on the roster at a later date as they continue their individual recoveries.

This is the second season where expenses are covered for both athletes and staff, thanks to the Sticks In Campaign. Launched on December 7, 2022, this national campaign aims to raise $1 million from corporate sponsors to fully fund the Women’s National Para Hockey Team. Canadian Tire, a founding sponsor, has been a long-time supporter of women’s hockey and a critical partner in advancing Women's Para Hockey of Canada’s goals. To learn more about Sticks In, please visit www.sticksin.ca.

For additional information or media inquiries, please contact Janice Coulter at president@wphcanada.com.