In Slovakia, Peggy Assinck, also known as one half of the “Canadian Bomb Squad,” fearlessly navigates the corners alongside linemate Claire Buchanan. This nickname was bestowed upon them during Canada’s initial match at the Women’s Para Hockey World Championships. Assinck, speaking from Dolny Kubin, expressed her enthusiasm for the title, emphasizing the disruptive nature of their playstyle.
The dynamic duo, dubbed the Bomb Squad, played a pivotal role in Canada’s resounding 10-0 victory over Team World, comprising players from countries yet to field an all-female team. The six-team tournament includes Australia, Great Britain, Norway, and the U.S., with a history suggesting a potential showdown between traditional rivals Canada and the U.S. in the gold medal final.
Team Canada’s goalie Maggie Manning, hailing from Salmon Arm, B.C., emphasized the team’s determination to secure the gold medal this year. Manning, donning jersey number 1 in honor of her childhood hero Roberto Luongo, shared a heartwarming encounter that inspired her journey into hockey and healthcare.
Balancing professional commitments with athletic pursuits is a common challenge for many Team Canada women. Assinck, a neuroscientist with a PhD from the University of British Columbia, is currently conducting research on spinal cord injuries and multiple sclerosis at Cambridge University in the U.K. Despite receiving support from Hockey Canada, the women’s program still faces obstacles in securing direct funding and services comparable to those available to Olympic and Paralympic athletes.
The ultimate goal for the women’s para hockey team is to introduce a women’s tournament at the Paralympic Games by 2030. Manning’s upcoming event to introduce para hockey to women and families aligns with this objective of expanding female participation in the sport.
While hockey is considered a mixed-gender sport by the International Paralympic Committee, only a few women have represented national teams, contributing to the underrepresentation of females in the Paralympic Winter Games. Assinck emphasized the importance of continued efforts to promote gender equity in para hockey and increase female representation at future Paralympic Games.
Canada’s journey at the Women’s Para Hockey World Championships continues with a match against Great Britain, followed by the semi-finals on Saturday.