The upcoming PWHL season is set to start on November 21, while the battle for spots on the Canadian Olympic women’s hockey team is well underway. Following two training blocks in Toronto, the final block is scheduled for the end of this month in Montreal. The team will then have four games in the Canada-U.S. Rivalry Series – two in the U.S. and two in Edmonton.
General manager Gina Kingsbury expressed satisfaction with the competition for roster spots, noting the strong group of players. With 30 players in camp, only 23 will make the cut for the Winter Olympics in Italy. Balancing veteran experience with emerging talent poses a challenge for the Canadian management team.
Among the players vying for a spot is Caitlin Kraemer, who impressed at the camp and leads in scoring at the Canadian women’s under-18 level. The University of Minnesota-Duluth forward showcased her skills and physicality on the ice.
Roster battles are expected, especially on defense, with several experienced players and promising newcomers competing for positions. The management team is evaluating the blend of defenders needed for the team, considering both experience and potential.
The women’s world championship is moving to November starting next year, aligning with the PWHL schedule and avoiding conflicts with other major hockey events. The new timing aims to provide more visibility for the women’s tournament and allow players to represent their countries without disruptions to their league seasons.
