Canadian Women’s Hockey Team welcomes the Pro League Challenge to them
The landscape of women’s hockey in Canada is set to undergo a significant shift in the lead-up to the 2026 Olympics, thanks to the emergence of the Women’s Pro League.
Instead of the traditional model of top players from across the country converging in Calgary for months of centralized training, the Canadian women’s team will now come together for training blocks in Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal that are aligned with the professional league calendar.
Captain of the Canadian team, Marie-Philip Poulin, expressed excitement about the new competitive landscape brought about by the PWHL. This shift marks a departure from the previous centralization model, but promises to offer a fresh and dynamic approach to preparing for international competitions.
The upcoming Olympic campaign will see Canada defend their gold medal against Finland in Milan, Italy on February 5. The majority of the 30 women invited to Hockey Canada’s orientation camp this week are players in the PWHL, which is entering its third season this fall.
Following the orientation camp, the women will embark on three training blocks, with Calgary serving as a hub for their preparations. This change in approach reflects a growing emphasis on providing quality competition and training opportunities for female players.
The PWHL, which has expanded to six teams this season, offers a robust schedule of 30 games, salaries, and benefits for players. It boasts a roster of top talent from around the world, including prominent names like Hilary Knight, Taylor Heise, Michelle Karvinen, Alina Mueller, and Tereza Vanisova.
For Poulin and her teammates, the PWHL represents a new frontier in Olympic preparation, offering regular high-stakes games and intense training sessions akin to the NHL for men. The competitive environment created by the league has raised the level of play and created a tighter-knit group of players focused on achieving success at the highest level.
As the countdown to the Olympics continues, Canada will face off against the US in a four-game series starting in November. With a total of 50 days spent together in preparation for the Games, the Canadian women’s team is making a significant investment in their quest for gold.
The evolution of women’s hockey in Canada, driven by the emergence of the Women’s Pro League, promises to usher in a new era of competitiveness and excellence for the national team. With a focus on quality competition and strategic training, the Canadian women are gearing up for a successful Olympic campaign in 2026.
