PWHL standout Hannah Miller barred from playing for Canada at upcoming world tourney
After a stellar season in the Professional Women’s Hockey League, Toronto Sceptres forward Hannah Miller will not be representing Team Canada at the upcoming world championship in April. Despite her impressive performance, Miller has been ruled ineligible to play for Canada due to her previous participation with the Chinese national team.
Miller, a 29-year-old from North Vancouver, had a standout season with the Sceptres, tallying 24 points in 26 games. Her contributions were instrumental in helping the team climb from the league basement to a playoff position. However, her past involvement with the Chinese team led to her disqualification from the Canadian roster by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).
Team Canada general manager Gina Kingsbury expressed disappointment at the decision, stating that they believed Miller had met all the necessary conditions outlined by the IIHF. Despite the setback, Kingsbury acknowledged Miller’s hard work and expressed optimism for her future opportunities to represent Canada.
Miller’s journey in international hockey includes stints with the Kunlun Red Star (KRS) Vanke Rays, a Chinese team that competed in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League. She represented China at the 2022 Olympics and the Division B world championship, where she led her team to victory and was named top forward.
Following her time overseas, Miller returned to North America and joined the Toronto Sceptres, where she made a significant impact in her second season. Unfortunately, her dreams of playing for Team Canada at the world championship have been dashed.
In Miller’s absence, her Sceptres teammate Julia Gosling will step in to fill the void on the Canadian roster. Gosling, a rookie forward, has shown promise in her first season in the PWHL, recording 10 points in 27 games and earning a spot on the team’s power play units.
Despite the setbacks, Team Canada is gearing up for the world championship in České Budějovice, Czech Republic. The tournament, scheduled from April 9 to 20, will serve as a crucial preparation for the 2026 Olympics. Canada’s roster will face tough competition, including matchups against Finland, Switzerland, the United States, and the host Czech Republic.
As the gold-medal game approaches on April 20, Team Canada remains focused on overcoming obstacles and showcasing their talent on the international stage. Despite Hannah Miller’s absence, the team is determined to make a strong showing and compete for gold in the upcoming world championship.
