Key Details of Canada's National Women's Development Team
As the second step in Hockey Canada’s women’s high-performance program, Canada's National Women’s Development Team is critical in preparing the next wave of talent for the senior national team. The program focuses on refining skills and implementing systems for athletes identified as being four to eight years from senior team impact, providing crucial high-level training and international competition experience.
Program Leadership & Structure:
- Head Coach (2025-26): Alison Domenico, entering her second year. She served as an assistant coach with Canada's National Women’s Team at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games.
- Primary Role: To bridge the gap between the Under-18 level and the senior National Women’s Team, serving as the final development stage before IIHF Women's World Championships and Olympics.
Core Competitions & Events:
Summer Series vs. USA
An annual three-game rivalry series against the United States, serving as a primary evaluation and development event for the program.
Women's Euro Hockey Tour / International Tours
A key annual tournament series offering exposure to European-style play and other elite national teams.
- Commitment: Hockey Canada has secured participation in this annual December event through the 2027-28 season.
- Recent Participation: The team most recently competed in December 2024 in Finland with a 23-player roster.
Program Role & Impact:
The National Women’s Development Team is specifically designed to prepare athletes for the physical and tactical demands of the international game. It focuses on skill refinement, systems implementation, and providing a structured pathway, ensuring players are ready to contribute immediately upon advancing to the senior team.
Legacy & Impact:
Canada’s National Women’s Development Team is the essential pipeline for Canada’s senior women’s program. By providing a structured pathway and crucial international experience, the team ensures a continuous flow of prepared talent, directly contributing to the sustained success and legacy of excellence of Canada's National Women’s Team at the IIHF Women's World Championship and Olympic Winter Games.
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