The Canadian women’s hockey team is gearing up to defend its Olympic championship with a series of training camps across the nation this summer and fall. For the first time, Hockey Canada will adjust to the PWHL schedule while shaping the squad bound for the Milan Cortina Olympics in February.
Gone are the days of centralization, where players vying for Olympic spots relocated to Calgary for extensive training. Instead, 30 players handpicked by Hockey Canada will kick off the journey to Olympic selection on August 26 in Calgary. The initial phase includes a three-day off-ice orientation camp followed by training from August 30 to September 12.
Following a brief hiatus, the next training segment will commence in Toronto at the end of September. The third block is slated for late October in Montreal, culminating in two Rivalry Series matches against the United States in Cleveland on November 6 and Buffalo on November 8. PWHL training camps are anticipated to begin in November.
Additional Rivalry Series games are scheduled for December in Canada, with specific details pending announcement. Hockey Canada has meticulously crafted this training program since the inception of the PWHL in late 2023, reshaping the landscape of women’s professional hockey.
Preparation has been meticulous to ensure athletes are primed for what could be their most rigorous season yet. With a packed schedule including the Rivalry Series, Olympics, and a minimum of 30 regular-season PWHL games, player well-being is a top priority.
The Canadian team’s general manager, Gina Kingsbury, emphasized the complexity of managing player health and performance amidst these demands. The team’s focus will be on fostering on-ice identity during the training blocks to fortify team cohesion before the Olympics.
Canada’s quest for another gold medal begins on February 5 against Finland, with the final set for February 19. The team, boasting five Olympic golds, including the most recent triumph in 2022, will face tough competition from the United States, victors in 2018 and 1998.
The training camp roster includes seasoned players like captain Marie-Philip Poulin, alongside newcomers eager to secure their spot on the Olympic team. The PWHL has become a pivotal platform for players like Sophie Jaques and Kati Tabin, who have caught the national team’s attention through outstanding performances.
Hockey Canada’s approach to team building and talent selection has evolved with the advent of the PWHL, reflecting a shift in how national teams are assembled. The coaching staff, led by head coach Troy Ryan, is focused on maximizing player potential and ensuring peak performance in time for the Olympics.
As the PWHL reshapes player development, Hockey Canada is adapting its strategies to harness the league’s benefits for national team success. The upcoming months will be crucial in fine-tuning the team’s dynamics and performance for the ultimate goal of Olympic glory.