Christina Picton reflected on her journey to the 2022 Paralympics with a mix of emotions. As a seasoned member of the Canadian women’s Para hockey team, Picton had always envisioned competing alongside her teammates at the Winter Games. However, due to the absence of women’s Para hockey in the Paralympic program, she participated in Beijing as a nordic skier.
“It was a bittersweet experience,” Picton expressed, emphasizing her long-standing dream of representing her country in women’s hockey at the Games. Despite the joy of being surrounded by supportive teammates and kind individuals, her heart longed to be on the ice with her women’s hockey team.
A significant step towards realizing this dream is unfolding this week as Picton and her Canadian teammates gear up for the inaugural Para Ice Hockey Women’s World Championships in Dolny Kubin, Slovakia. This event marks a pivotal moment on the path to establishing women’s Para hockey as a Paralympic sport by 2030.
The tournament, featuring six teams including Canada, the United States, Britain, Australia, Norway, and a combined Team World, will commence on Tuesday and conclude on Sunday. Canada is scheduled to kick off the round-robin matches against Team World.
Tara Chisholm, the head coach of Team Canada since 2013, underlined the historical significance of this event. She emphasized that the championships will not only shape the team and its program but also contribute to the evolving narrative of women’s Para hockey.
To be considered for inclusion in the 2030 Paralympic Games, World Para Ice Hockey must host a minimum of two women’s world championships before submitting a proposal to the International Paralympic Committee’s governing board. Chisholm hinted at organizing events in 2026 and 2027 as part of this process.
Currently, Para hockey at the Paralympics is mixed-gender, with only three women having participated. This gender disparity, with women comprising just 24% of athletes in Beijing, underscores the need for greater female representation in the sport. Nations can expand their rosters to include an additional player, enabling more women to compete at the highest level.
Raphaelle Tousignant, a standout Canadian player, expressed her excitement at the prospect of women’s Para hockey becoming a reality at the Paralympics. Having been the first woman to represent Canada at a major international competition, Tousignant highlighted the significance of her female teammates finally having the opportunity to showcase their skills on a global stage.
Despite the financial challenges faced by the women’s Para hockey program, increased attention and support from corporate sponsors and supporters ahead of the world championships have alleviated some of the financial burdens. The team’s journey from humble beginnings to a world-class level has been marked by dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment.
As the women’s Para hockey team continues to strive for recognition and support, the ongoing efforts and achievements of these athletes are shaping the future of the sport and paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse Paralympic landscape.