CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada has announced the roster for Canada’s National Para Hockey Team for a three-game series against the United States from March 26-29 at Canada Games Park in Thorold, Ontario.
Three goaltenders, seven defence and 11 forwards – including 16 members of the team that won a gold medal at the 2024 World Para Hockey Championship in Calgary – were selected by head coach Russ Herrington (Unionville, ON) and assistant coaches Mike Fountain (Gravenhurst, ON), Liam Heelis (Georgetown, ON), Boris Rybalka (Vernon, BC) and Greg Westlake (Oakville, ON).
“Any time you can put on the Maple Leaf and compete with the United States, you know there will be a high level of competition,” said Herrington. “As we continue to prepare for the upcoming world championship in Buffalo, we want to push ourselves and continue to get better every day. The work started in February in Boston with two intense games, and I expect more of the same this week. We are also excited to have Women’s Para Hockey of Canada join us as well as the United States’ Women’s Development Sled Hockey Team. This is a great opportunity for us to collaborate and continue to showcase the sport.”
The staff that will work with Canada’s National Para Hockey Team during the series includes:
- Video coach Steve Arsenault (Spruce Grove, AB)
- Team physician Dr. Danielle Kelton (Guelph, ON)
- Athletic therapist Tracy Meloche (Essex, ON)
- Equipment managers Grant Boswall (Cornwall, PE), AJ Murley (St. John’s, NL) and Matina Landstad (West Vancouver, BC/University of Waterloo, OUA)
- Hockey operations manager Adam Janssen (Richmond Hill, ON)
- Hockey operations coordinator Jacob Grison (Lion’s Head, ON)
- Media relations coordinator Branden Crowe (Virden, MB)
The cross-border series will also include participation from Women’s Para Hockey of Canada, marking the second time the two programs will combine efforts at an event. The schedule includes practices as well as three games against its counterparts from the United States on Wednesday, March 26 at 6:30 p.m. ET, Friday, March 28 at 12 p.m. ET and Saturday, March 29 at 12 p.m. ET.
“With the announcement of the inaugural women’s world championship in August 2025, we are thrilled to hit the ice and compete,” said Tara Chisholm, head coach of Canada’s national women’s para hockey team. “This series in Thorold will be a fantastic way to kick off our competitive season on the road to worlds. Events like this help raise the profile of women’s para hockey and provide athletes with valuable high-level competition. As the sport continues to grow, we are excited to strengthen our collaboration with Hockey Canada and USA Hockey to create more opportunities for women to showcase their skills.”
Canada’s roster for the women’s series includes three goaltenders, five defence and nine forwards – representing athletes from six provinces (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec).
All six games will be broadcast live for free HERE.
World Para Ice Hockey will make history this year when Dolny Kubin, Slovakia, hosts the first-ever women’s world championship from Aug. 26-31. The tournament will feature Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Norway, the United States and Team World.
For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Para Hockey Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.
About Women’s Para Hockey of Canada (WPHC)
WPHC is a national organization dedicated to promoting and developing para ice hockey opportunities for girls and women+ with disabilities across Canada. With a mission to foster inclusivity, empowerment and excellence in the sport, WPHC provides resources, support and opportunities for girls and women+ of all ages and abilities to engage in the sport, whether at the recreational or competitive level. Through player development, competition, community outreach and advocacy, the organization’s athletes, staff and volunteers are committed to advancing para ice hockey for girls and women+ while challenging stereotypes and breaking down barriers in para hockey.
– 30 –
For more information or to be removed from the media contact list, please contact:
Branden Crowe
Coordinator,Communications
Hockey Canada
204-730-2147
bcrowe@hockeycanada.ca