As Canada gears up to compete for the women’s hockey world championship in Denmark, they will be fielding a significantly altered roster compared to the one seen at the recent Olympics.
The previous lineup, dominated by experienced players, clinched second place behind the U.S. in a closely contested gold-medal match that extended into overtime.
A broader look reveals a Canadian team that struggled against their American counterparts in eight consecutive matches, showing signs of slower pace and weaker cohesion while the U.S. embraced youthful talent in the past four years.
However, the roster for the upcoming world championship suggests a shift within Team Canada.
Six players will be making their debut at the world championship event in Denmark, scheduled from November 6 to 16.
Head coach Kori Cheverie expressed optimism, stating, “There is a great sense of energy, hunger and determination within this group. We’re looking forward to building on that momentum as we prepare to compete in Denmark.”
Among the roster are players who have excelled at the Under-18 level, such as Rosalie Tremblay (University of Wisconsin), Hayley McDonald (Ohio State University), and Sara Manness (Clarkson University).
Nineteen-year-old defender Chloe Primerano is one of six college players who will suit up for Canada at the upcoming women’s world championship. (Melissa Majchrzak/The Associated Press)
Additionally, Chloe Primerano (University of Minnesota), Caitlin Kraemer (University of Minnesota Duluth), and Ève Gascon (University of Minnesota Duluth) will be returning for their second world championship.
Gascon has displayed impressive performance in the NCAA season, conceding only two goals in five games while achieving four shutouts.
Several players earned their spots on the team through exceptional displays in the PWHL, including Rebecca Leslie and Sarah Wozniewicz from Ottawa Charge, Kendall Cooper from PWHL Las Vegas, Nicole Gosling from PWHL Hamilton, and Jessie Eldridge from Montreal Victoire.
Eldridge, a top offensive producer in the PWHL, will be returning to the world championship after 2022, having been among the top goal scorers in the league since its inception in 2024.
Leslie and Wozniewicz will be making their world championship debuts following their contributions to the Ottawa Charge, with Leslie’s 14 goals in 30 regular-season games last season placing her among the league’s top scorers.
Canada’s GM Danièle Sauvageau emphasized the need for adapting to the evolving landscape, focusing on successful players at the PWHL level over multiple seasons to assess their potential at the international stage.
Several veterans to miss tournament
The roster features 13 members from the Olympic team, with notable absences including captain Marie-Philip Poulin due to knee surgery, Sarah Nurse with back issues, and Blayre Turnbull who is expecting.
This marks the first roster announcement under the new management led by Sauvageau and Cheverie.
