The world juniors are about to begin. Why isn’t there a women’s world junior tournament?

In mid-December, inside an arena in Tampere, Finland, future top PWHL draft prospects faced off in a tournament final at the Women’s Euro Hockey Tour/Six Nations Tournament. The Canadian team went head-to-head against an American roster filled with senior national team talent, including standout players like Lacey Eden, Abbey Murphy, Caroline Harvey, and Laila Edwards. The competition was fierce, with both teams vying for the championship title.

Despite the American team boasting more experienced players, the Canadians put up a valiant effort, staying neck and neck with their opponents until the final minutes of the game. In the end, the Americans pulled ahead with a goal by Abbey Murphy, securing a 5-3 victory. Canadian goaltender Ève Gascon put on a stellar performance, making an impressive 33 saves in the game, earning praise from her coach for her phenomenal play.

Canadian national development team head coach Alison Domenico expressed pride in her team’s performance throughout the tournament, despite falling short in the final match against the U.S. squad. She commended her players for their resilience and determination, particularly in their comeback attempt in the final game.

The absence of broadcast coverage for the tournament in Canada highlighted the lack of visibility for female hockey players in international competitions. While the men’s world junior hockey championship garners significant attention, there is a noticeable gap in exposure for women’s hockey at the same level. This limited visibility hinders the recognition and support for future PWHL stars, who are crucial for the growth and development of the sport.

The need for more international opportunities for female players between the under-18 and senior national team levels is evident. With discussions of a women’s world junior championship on the horizon, there is hope for bridging this development gap in the coming years. In the meantime, efforts to increase the player pool and provide exposure to top talent are essential for the advancement of women’s hockey globally.

The tournament showcased the potential of up-and-coming PWHL prospects, offering a glimpse into the future of the sport. Players like Nicole Gosling and Caitlin Kraemer, who have already made their mark on the international stage, are poised to make a significant impact in the PWHL and beyond. As the league continues to support the growth of women’s hockey at all levels, events like the Women’s Euro Hockey Tour serve as valuable opportunities for player development and global recognition.

Overall, the tournament in Tampere shed light on the talent and potential of future PWHL draft prospects, emphasizing the importance of creating more opportunities for female players to showcase their skills on the international stage. With a shared commitment to advancing women’s hockey, stakeholders in the sport are working towards a more inclusive and supportive environment for the next generation of athletes.