Key Details of Canada’s National Women’s Team

Canada's National Women's Team, the highest level in Hockey Canada's women's high-performance program, has built an unmatched reputation for excellence on the global scene. Since making its international debut, the team has dominated women's hockey, winning five Olympic gold medals and thirteen IIHF Women's World Championship gold medals while sustaining one of the biggest rivalries in sports with the United States.

International Success:

Canada’s National Women’s Team boasts the most decorated record in women’s hockey history:

• IIHF Women’s World Championship Gold Medals: 13 (1990, 1992, 1994, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2007, 2012, 2021, 2022, 2024)
• Olympic Gold Medals: 5 (2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2022)

Team Records & History:

• First International Game: Canada 10 – 0 Switzerland (April 21, 1987)
• Biggest Wins: Canada 19 – 1 Netherlands (1987); multiple 18–0 victories against Japan and Slovakia
• Primary Rivalry: United States, the only other nation to win major international tournaments

Featured Tournaments:

IIHF Women’s World Championship

The premier global event for women’s hockey, organized by the International Ice Hockey Federation.

• Appearances: 24 since 1990
• Canada’s Record: The team has won 13 of 24 tournaments, including back-to-back championships in 2021-2022 and most recently in 2024

Olympic Winter Games

The ultimate stage for women’s hockey, featuring every edition since its introduction in 1998.

• Appearances: 7 (1998-present)
• Canada’s Record: 5 gold medals and 2 silver medals, including four consecutive gold medals from 2002-2014

Rivalry Series

An annual showcase against the United States that extends beyond major tournaments.

• Format: Multiple games played across North America
• Significance: Maintains competitive intensity between international championships

Legacy & Impact:

Canada’s National Women’s Team has defined excellence in women’s hockey for over three decades, inspiring generations of young athletes across the country. Through their sustained success and iconic rivalry with the United States, the team has elevated the profile of women’s hockey worldwide while developing some of the sport’s most legendary players, including Hayley Wickenheiser, Marie-Philip Poulin, and Cassie Campbell-Pascall. The program continues to set the standard for high performance while growing the women’s game at all levels.