The upcoming 2026 Paralympics Games in Milano-Cortina are swiftly approaching, with over 100 days left until the event, generating a sense of anticipation. Numerous skilled Para athletes are gearing up to showcase their talents on the global platform, proudly representing their respective nations.
Team Canada boasts a highly talented lineup across various disciplines, ranging from wheelchair curling to Para nordic skiing, where athletes are anticipated to clinch medals in a majority of the 79 events. However, one category that will not feature Canadian representation is women’s Para hockey (WPH).
Despite Canada’s abundance of talent in Para hockey, the absence of women’s Para hockey from the Paralympics program remains a glaring issue. The Canadian WPH team, while showcasing dedication and ambition, is not receiving full funding from Hockey Canada, the nation’s governing body for the sport.
The exclusion of women’s Para hockey raises questions about the reasons behind this decision. Last August, Slovakia hosted the inaugural women’s world Para hockey championships, featuring sold-out matches and successful execution. The tournament included teams from Australia, Canada, USA, Great Britain, Norway, and a conglomerate team named “Team World” comprising players from various European nations, Japan, and South Korea.
In a final match, Canada faced a formidable American team and suffered a 7-1 defeat. Following the championships, Canadian head coach Tara Chisholm expressed admiration for how spectators quickly embraced Para hockey, showcasing support for the athletes’ dedication and skills.
While women’s Para hockey is not part of the Paralympics currently, efforts are underway to secure inclusion in the 2030 Paralympics in the French Alps. To meet eligibility criteria, the women’s division must participate in two sanctioned world championships before 2027. With the recent successful championship, the focus now shifts to delivering a strong performance in 2026 to pave the way for Paralympic recognition.
Although the current Paralympic hockey event is mixed-gender, no Canadian woman has ever been part of the Paralympic team. However, WPH captain Christina Picton and Raphaëlle Tousignant were selected for the development team. Tousignant notably became the first Canadian woman to compete in the men’s Para hockey championships in 2023.
Despite her aspirations to represent Canada in Para ice hockey at the 2026 Paralympics, Tousignant faced a setback with a recent breast cancer diagnosis. Determined to continue pursuing her dream, Tousignant’s resilience remains unwavering.
The challenges faced by women’s Para hockey in terms of funding and recognition have been highlighted by players like Claire Buchanan, who emphasized the need for greater support from Hockey Canada. While the team has collaborated with Hockey Canada on various initiatives, full-fledged backing is still pending, creating a financial hurdle for player participation in events.
In response to inquiries about the funding situation, Hockey Canada reiterated its commitment to advocating for the growth of women’s Para hockey both domestically and globally. Despite the financial constraints, the women’s team continues to push boundaries and challenge stereotypes in the sport, embodying the essence of Canadian spirit and determination.
The underfunding of women’s Para hockey underscores the importance of investing in a diverse and talented team that has the potential to achieve significant milestones, including inclusion in future Paralympic events. It is time to rally behind women’s Para hockey and provide the necessary support for their success, ultimately contributing to a historic chapter in Canadian hockey.