5 things to watch as Canada aims to repeat as world champions of women’s hockey
As the Canadian team prepares for the upcoming world championship in the Czech Republic, players are gearing up for a crucial audition for a spot on the roster heading to Italy for the Olympics next February. This tournament will serve as the last major opportunity for players to showcase their skills and chemistry with their teammates before the Games.
The tournament, which kicks off with a game against Finland on Thursday, will be a key evaluation tool for Hockey Canada. With games against Switzerland, the United States, and the Czech Republic to follow, the Canadian staff will have the chance to test out different player roles and gauge team chemistry in a high-stakes environment.
One of the most intriguing storylines to watch will be the performance of Toronto Sceptres goaltender Kristen Campbell, who will start in Canada’s opening game against Finland. With regular starters Ann-Renée Desbiens and Emerance Maschmeyer dealing with injuries, Campbell has a golden opportunity to prove herself as Canada’s top goaltender.
The expanded roster of 25 players also means that some veterans may find themselves sitting out games to make room for newer players. This presents a unique challenge for the Canadian coaching staff as they try to find the right balance of experience and potential for the team.
On the defensive side, Canada boasts a deep pool of talent, making it a tough decision for the coaching staff to select the final lineup. Players like Renata Fast, Ella Shelton, and Erin Ambrose have proven themselves as top defenders, but newer faces like Sophie Jaques and Chloe Primerano will also be vying for playing time.
Speaking of Primerano, the 18-year-old defender will be one of the youngest players on the team, but her impressive performance in the Rivalry Series games has earned her a spot on the roster. How she is deployed in this tournament will be a key factor to watch as she continues to develop at the international level.
In the absence of Hannah Miller, Canada will need to rely on players like Sarah Nurse, Sarah Fillier, Blayre Turnbull, and Kristin O’Neill to provide depth at the center position. Fillier, in particular, has shown versatility by playing on the wing but may be called upon to fill a key role in the middle of the ice.
Overall, the world championship will be a crucial test for the Canadian team as they look to defend their title and build momentum heading into the Olympics. With a mix of veteran experience and young talent, Canada will be aiming to solidify their roster and fine-tune their game for the ultimate goal of Olympic gold.
