The 2026 Paralympics Games in Milano-Cortina are fast approaching, with just over 100 days left, sparking immense anticipation. A multitude of Para athletes from various countries are gearing up to showcase their skills and national pride on the global stage.
Among the talented roster of Team Canada, excelling in disciplines ranging from wheelchair curling to Para nordic skiing, expectations are high for Canadian athletes to clinch medals in a significant portion of the 79 events. However, notably missing from the Canadian representation is the women’s Para hockey (WPH) team.
Despite Canada’s rich talent pool in Para hockey, the absence of the women’s team from the Paralympics program raises concerns. The Canadian WPH team emphasizes their commitment to breaking barriers and promoting gender equality in sports, yet faces challenges such as inadequate funding from Hockey Canada, the country’s governing body for the sport.
The recent women’s world Para hockey championships held in Slovakia in August marked a historic milestone for the sport. The highly successful tournament featured teams from Australia, Canada, USA, Great Britain, Norway, and a multinational “Team World” squad. Canada faced a tough defeat in the final, falling 7-1 to a formidable American team.
Head coach Tara Chisholm reflected on the championship as a pivotal moment for raising awareness and appreciation for Para hockey, especially the women’s game. Despite the absence of women’s Para hockey in the Paralympics, efforts are underway to secure inclusion by meeting specific criteria, with the goal of participating in the 2030 Paralympics in the French Alps.
While women can technically compete in the mixed Para hockey event at the Paralympics, no Canadian woman has yet earned a spot on the national team. However, players like WPH captain Christina Picton and Raphaëlle Tousignant have made significant strides, with Tousignant becoming the first Canadian woman to compete alongside men in the 2023 world Para hockey championships.
Tragically, Tousignant’s Paralympic aspirations were temporarily derailed when she disclosed her battle with breast cancer. Despite the setback, Tousignant remains determined to pursue her dreams and advocate for gender equality in Para hockey.
The inadequate funding for women’s Para hockey in Canada has been a persistent issue, hindering the team’s ability to train and compete effectively. The lack of financial support from Hockey Canada has forced players like Claire Buchanan to navigate a challenging cycle of funding constraints.
Efforts to address the funding disparity continue, with Hockey Canada providing a grant and other resources to support the WPH team. Advocates and allies are working towards enhancing opportunities for women’s Para hockey, emphasizing the importance of investing in the team’s success and potential Paralympic inclusion.
The inspiring dedication and resilience of the Canadian women’s Para hockey team underscore the urgency of fully supporting their endeavors. As they strive to challenge stereotypes and excel in the sport, the team’s pursuit of recognition and equality embodies the essence of Canadian values and sportsmanship.