OTTAWA – Tara Chisholm, the head coach of Canada’s women’s Para ice hockey team since 2013, thought of the past, present and future when World Para Ice Hockey announced today the inaugural women’s world championships are set for August 26-31 in Dolny Kubin, Slovakia.
“This isn’t just about the competition,” Chisholm told CPC. ‘’It represents the resilience, passion and determination of every woman who has ever got in a sled, fought for ice time, and believed this day would come.
‘’It’s a victory for all players and volunteers, over the past two decades, who have given their time, energy, and heart to growing women’s Para ice hockey.
‘’Now the next generation will have something they never had – a global stage to showcase their talent and a clear path forward in the sport they love.”
The six-team tournament will feature national teams from Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Norway, and the USA, alongside a Team World composed of players from various nations.
“We are thrilled to welcome the first-ever World Para Ice Hockey Women’s Championships to Dolny Kubin,’’ said Canadian Michelle Laflamme, World Para Ice Hockey Senior Manager.
‘’This will be a game-changer for the future of our sport, and we anticipate the reaction from our community to be incredibly supportive.”
Laflamme now wants to conquer the next major step.
‘’With the ultimate goal of expanding female participation in Para ice hockey worldwide and applying for a women’s medal event to be considered for potential inclusion on a future edition of the Paralympic Winter Games program, this is a landmark announcement for the sport.”
Canadian national team player Peggy Assinck has also watched the sport grow.
”I first put on a Canadian jersey 18 years ago and when I think about all the athletes, staff, and supporters who have helped push the women’s game forward over the years to bring us to where we are now, it’s incredible.”
International Paralympic Committee (IPC) president Andrew Parsons praised the remarkable progress achieved by World Para Ice Hockey in the development of the sport among female athletes, coaches, and officials.
“It is very important for the Paralympic Movement to have strong female representation, and the evolution of women’s Para ice hockey is a testimony to the transformative and inclusive power of Para sport,” Parsons said. “Two years ago, World Para Ice Hockey won the IPC International Women’s Day Recognition Awards in the International Federation category for their fantastic work in growing female participation in all areas of the game, on and off the ice.’’