Dear Hockey,

You’ve been with me my entire life.

From the moment I first stepped on the outdoor rink in Sudbury at three years old, bundled up head to toe, playing alongside my brothers and sisters in -30 degrees and swirling snow, I fell in love with you. You were pure joy. You were freedom. You were family.

Now, after a lifetime of playing the game I love, it’s time for me to say goodbye to you as a player. It’s hard to find the words to describe how much you’ve meant to me, but here it goes!

Growing up in Sudbury, in a house with five siblings who all played hockey, competition was part of our daily lives. Whether we were battling it out on the outdoor rink or racing to be first on the ice for practice, we pushed each other to be better. That drive and passion started there, in the cold, in the chaos, in the joy of playing with the people I loved most.

Though we all played many sports, you were always my number one. Hockey was where I felt most alive.

From boys’ hockey in my early years to playing for the Sudbury Lady Wolves in high school, every step of the journey shaped me. I was fortunate to have incredible teammates and coaches who believed in me, challenged me and helped me grow. The community in Sudbury, the rinks, the early mornings, the frozen toes, will always hold a special place in my heart. I was lucky to grow up surrounded by supportive family, friends and teammates. My siblings were my fiercest competition and my biggest inspiration. And my parents, they were everything. My dad was my coach, my mentor, the one who always found ways to help me improve. My mom was my rock, a calming presence supporting me through all my ups and downs. They gave up so much to make sure all of us had the chance to chase our dreams and I am forever grateful for their sacrifices.

After high school, I took the next step and headed to Cornell University. My parents and sisters were a huge influence in that decision, and I am so lucky to have them as role models. Those four years were some of the best of my life. I received a world-class education while playing the game I love at the highest collegiate level. I learned how to balance life as a student-athlete, how to lead, how to listen, how to grow. The Frozen Four appearances, the early mornings on the ice with Coach Doug Derraugh, who went above and beyond to help me improve. All of it shaped me into the player and person I became. Cornell was where I truly discovered who I was, both on and off the ice.

And then came my dream to play at the Olympics.

I was just 20 when I played in my first Olympic Games: Vancouver 2010. I’ll never forget the pride of putting on the Team Canada jersey, representing my country on the world stage. That feeling never faded, not in Sochi, PyeongChang or Beijing. Each Olympics was its own journey, its own test of resilience and heart. I am proud to have won four Olympic medals, three gold and one silver, but even more proud of the people I shared those moments with.

I still remember watching the Salt Lake City Games in 2002 with my dad. That was the moment I knew I wanted to be there one day. Seeing the women’s and men’s teams win gold for Canada, the emotion, the unity and the passion, it lit a fire in me that never burnt out. To eventually live that dream and to share those moments with my family, especially my parents, is something I’ll cherish forever. I’ll never forget the moment that first gold medal was hung around my neck. I was able to spot my parents in the stands with 20,000 other spectators, all of them wearing red and white. My parents were in tears. I had never seen my father cry before, and the pride and joy on his face is something I will never forget.

Another important chapter of my career was playing in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL), where I had the honour of winning two Clarkson Cups with the Calgary Inferno. The league provided a platform for so many of us to compete at a high level and to continue chasing our dreams. While the CWHL has since folded, I look back on those years with immense pride and gratitude. It’s been incredible to witness the rise of a new professional league that is thriving and finally getting the recognition we all dreamed of. I may not have had the chance to play in this new era, but I’m proud to have been a small part of the journey, helping grow the game, break barriers and pave the way for what’s now possible. Seeing the sport flourish the way it is today fills me with hope, pride and excitement for the future of women’s hockey.

Being part of the Hockey Canada program for over 15 years has truly been the honour of a lifetime. From the management and coaches to the incredible staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes, I feel incredibly privileged to have been part of such a world-class organization. Hockey Canada gave me the opportunity to represent my country on the biggest stages, at the Olympics and numerous world championships, and I will never forget the feeling of wearing the Maple Leaf. It was always more than just a jersey; it was a dream come true and a responsibility I never took for granted.

Hockey has given me so much more than medals and championships. It gave me purpose. It gave me friendships that will last a lifetime. It taught me about sacrifice, commitment, teamwork, perseverance and love. It took me around the world, introduced me to people who inspired me, and helped me grow into the person I am today.

Even though I’m retiring from playing, I’m not saying goodbye. Hockey will always be a part of me. I’m so excited to continue giving back to the game, working in player development with the Calgary Flames and helping the next generation grow, just like so many helped me along the way.

Thank you, hockey… for everything.
For the memories on the outdoor rinks in Sudbury.
For the teammates and coaches who believed in me.
For the early mornings, the heartbreaks, the triumphs and the lessons.
For making me who I am.

With love and gratitude,

Johnny

CALGARY, Alberta – Three-time Olympic gold medallist and three-time IIHF Women’s World Championship gold medallist Rebecca Johnston (Sudbury, ON) officially announced her retirement from international competition with Canada’s National Women’s Team on Thursday.

The 36-year-old made her debut in 2007 at the age of 18, representing Canada in four Olympic Winter Games. She won gold in 2010, 2014 and 2022, and silver in 2018. Johnston ends her decorated career ranked in the top 10 in games played (182 – seventh), goals (63 – ninth), assists (79 – eighth) and points (142 – eighth) with Team Canada.

Johnston also competed in 12 world championships, winning three gold medals (2007, 2012, 2021), eight silver (2008, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2023) and one bronze (2019), earning a place on the media all-star team in 2016. She also represented Canada 11 times at the Four Nations Cup, winning five gold medals (2007, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014), and earned three-consecutive Air Canada Cup gold medals (2007, 2008, 2009) as a member of Canada’s National Women’s Under-22 Team.

“After more than 15 years with Hockey Canada, it’s hard to put into words what this game and this journey have meant to me,” said Johnston. “From the first time I wore the Maple Leaf, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and responsibility to represent my country, and that feeling never faded. My ultimate dream was to play on the Olympic stage and to bring home medals for Canada, achievements that will always stand as the greatest honours of my career.”

Click here for a ‘Thank You, Hockey’ letter from Rebecca.

An alumna of Cornell University, where she earned her degree in communications, Johnston was named to the ECAC First All-Star Team and Ivy League First All-Star Team in all four of her college seasons (2007-08, 2008-09, 2010-11, 2011-12). She was named ECAC Player of the Year and an NCAA First Team All-American in 2011-12, and helped the Big Red to a pair of Frozen Four appearances in 2011 and 2012.

Johnston was drafted second overall by the Toronto Furies in the 2012 CWHL Draft, playing one season in Toronto before joining the Calgary Inferno for four seasons. She was named CWHL Most Valuable Player in 2014-15 and won Clarkson Cup championships with Calgary in 2016 and 2019.

“Hockey has given me more than I could have ever imagined: lifelong friendships, lessons in resilience and teamwork, and moments that will stay with me forever,” continued Johnston. “What I will miss most are the little things: the locker room laughs, the feeling of stepping on the ice with my teammates and the unshakable bond of chasing a common goal together. Representing Canada has been the privilege of a lifetime, and I will always carry that pride with me.”

Johnston took time off after the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship to determine her next steps in the game, which ultimately led to her current role as a player development and grassroots hockey coordinator with the Calgary Flames, working with prospects on and off the ice, while also supporting community initiatives. Johnston also leads her Johnny’s Elite Girls Hockey Camp, which focuses on developing skills and encouraging young girls to stay in sport.

“Rebecca’s impact on the international game has been remarkable, representing Canada in four Olympic Games and 12 world championships,” said Gina Kingsbury (Rouyn-Noranda, QC/Toronto, PWHL), general manager of Canada’s National Women’s Team. “Deemed one of Canada’s best skaters ever, Rebecca brought a tremendous amount of skill to the teams she proudly represented. Her contributions on the ice helped shape some of this country’s most memorable moments. On behalf of Hockey Canada, we thank Rebecca for her outstanding career and everything she has given to our program and the game.”

For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Women’s Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow along via social media on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada has announced that the Canadian leg of this year’s Rivalry Series will be played in Edmonton as a part of the lead-up to the 2026 Olympic Winter Games.

Rogers Place, home of the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers and WHL’s Edmonton Oil Kings, will host games between Canada’s National Women’s Team and the United States on Dec. 10 and Dec. 13, with the puck dropping on both games at 7 p.m. MT/9 p.m. ET.

“We are thrilled to welcome both teams and eagerly anticipate two high-level, competitive games,” said Dean McIntosh, senior vice-president of revenue, fan experience and community impact with Hockey Canada. “We are grateful for the investment and support from our provincial partners and anticipate a positive economic impact for local businesses in bringing this world-class event to Edmonton. We are excited to celebrate the sport and inspire the next generation of fans as we also look to leave a lasting legacy in the community.”

“As part of our training for the Olympic Winter Games, it is exciting to bring the Rivalry Series to fans in Edmonton and from across Alberta,” said Gina Kingsbury (Rouyn-Noranda, QC/Toronto, PWHL), general manager of Canada’s National Women’s Team. “These two games are a special moment for everyone involved and our players cannot wait to be in front of our home crowd, offering fans — particularly the younger generation — a chance to cheer their hockey heroes in person.”

The games in Edmonton will be the first on Alberta ice between the cross-border rivals since Dec. 17, 2017, when the teams concluded a six-game series ahead of the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in Edmonton. Jennifer Wakefield scored with 26 seconds remaining in overtime to lead Canada to a 2-1 victory.

“We’re proud to welcome the national women’s teams from Canada and the United States to Rogers Place,” said Andrew Boitchenko, Alberta’s minister of tourism and sport. “It’s been eight years since our province has played host to the Rivalry Series, and we are looking forward to the competition and having the chance to cheer on Team Canada. Supporting events like this one not only celebrates hockey and its world-class athletes, but also showcases our province as one of the best places in the world to host international events.”

“We’re excited to bring the Canadian leg of this year’s Rivalry Series to ICE District,” said Stu Ballantyne, president and chief operating officer of Rogers Place and ICE District. “This is an incredible opportunity to showcase Canada’s National Women’s Team right here in a world-class arena with the support of the best fans in hockey, ahead of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games. We look forward to hosting two unforgettable games featuring the world’s best women’s hockey players on Dec. 10 and 13 at Rogers Place.”

“Edmonton warmly welcomes the elite-level Rivalry Series, hosted by Hockey Canada,” said Eddie Robar, city manager with the City of Edmonton. “Fans everywhere will be so excited to see Canada's National Women's Team back in our hockey city again. The team will inspire many young girls and athletes as they watch their heroes in action. Our passion for hockey and reputation as a great host city will provide an exciting send-off for the final two games before the 2026 Olympic Winter Games.”

“Hosting the final two games of the Rivalry Series is another way Explore Edmonton spotlights women’s sport at home in Canada’s top sport city,” said Traci Bednard, president and CEO of Explore Edmonton. “We are excited to welcome over 30,000 fans to Rogers Place in December. These games will not only display Olympic-level talent, but also drive the visitor economy, elevate our city’s global profile and reinforce Edmonton’s reputation as a premier destination for major international sporting events.”

Canada and the United States will play four games this season, with the first two being played south of the border at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, on Thursday, Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York, on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT.

Fans looking to secure their seat for the Rivalry Series have several options to purchase tickets. A two-game package starts at $80 (plus applicable fees and taxes), while individual game tickets start at $50 (plus applicable fees and taxes). Group ticket packages are also available. Tickets go on sale to the public on Sept. 26 at 11 a.m. MT/1 p.m. ET; visit HockeyCanada.ca/Tickets to secure your seats.

In the coming weeks, Hockey Canada and Hockey Alberta will announce grassroots initiatives that will take place leading up to the Rivalry Series games, ensuring the next generation engage with Canada’s National Women’s Team.

TSN and RDS, the official broadcast partners of Hockey Canada, will broadcast all four Rivalry Series games; please check local listings for details.

For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Women’s Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow along via social media on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

CALGARY, Alberta – As part of the road to Italy, Hockey Canada has invited 92 players from its men’s, women’s and para hockey teams to attend its National Teams Orientation Camp, set for Aug. 26-28 in Calgary. 

The National Teams Orientation Camp is a three-day, off-ice event with players and staff from all three programs, which will include presentations, team-building opportunities, team meetings and media opportunities in preparation for the upcoming season.

“We are excited to unveil the 92 athletes who will kick off the road to Italy, and to bring our men’s, women’s and para hockey teams together for three days as the first step towards our goal of winning triple gold in February,” said Scott Salmond (Creston, BC), Hockey Canada’s senior vice-president of high performance and hockey operations. “While the next several months will bring intense evaluation and difficult roster decisions, we look forward to kicking off the season in Calgary and giving our athletes and staff a chance to come together and start to become one team as we set our sights on February.”

“This season will be an exciting time for Hockey Canada and for the sport as a whole, and we are excited to continue our preparation by welcoming 92 men’s, women’s and para hockey athletes to Calgary this summer,” said Katherine Henderson (Thunder Bay, ON), Hockey Canada’s president and chief executive officer, who provides support to all three programs. “We certainly do not take for granted the opportunity and privilege we have to unite Canadians through our National Winter Sport, and we are confident that our national team athletes, coaches and staff will represent our country with tremendous pride on and off the ice as they deliver on our commitment to performance excellence.”

On the men’s side, 42 National Hockey League (NHL) players – including three goaltenders, 13 defencemen and 26 forwards – were selected by general manager Doug Armstrong (Sarnia, ON/St. Louis, NHL), assistant general managers Julien BriseBois (Greenfield Park, QC/Tampa Bay, NHL), Jim Nill (Hanna, AB/Dallas, NHL) and Don Sweeney (St. Stephen, NB/Boston, NHL), director of player personnel Kyle Dubas (Sault Ste. Marie, ON/Pittsburgh, NHL) and head coach Jon Cooper (Prince George, BC/Tampa Bay, NHL), with input from player relations advisor Ryan Getzlaf (Regina, SK) and Salmond.

The list includes three players who have won Olympic gold medals (Crosby, Doughty, Tavares), 12 who have won gold at the IIHF World Championship (Crosby, Ekblad, Hagel, Hill, MacKinnon, Marchand, McDavid, Montembeault, Reinhart, Scheifele, Stone, Weegar) and 13 who have won gold at the IIHF World Junior Championship (Bedard, Byfield, Crosby, Doughty, Makar, Marchand, McDavid, Morrissey, Point, Reinhart, Tavares, Theodore, Thomas). It also includes 19 Stanley Cup champions (Bennett, Binnington, Cirelli, Crosby, Doughty, Ekblad, Hill, MacKinnon, Makar, Marchand, Parayko, Point, Reinhart, Stone, Theodore, Thomas, Toews, Verhaeghe, Wilson), as well as all 24 players who were members of Canada’s 4 Nations Face-Off championship-winning team.

On the women’s side, 30 players – four goaltenders, 10 defence and 16 forwards – will be a part of Canada’s National Women’s Team throughout the 2025-26 season, with players participating in training blocks and attending events during the year. The players were selected by general manager Gina Kingsbury (Rouyn-Noranda, QC/Toronto, PWHL), head coach Troy Ryan (Spryfield, NS/Toronto, PWHL) and Cherie Piper (Scarborough, ON), senior manager of player development and scouting. Assistant coaches Kori Cheverie (New Glasgow, NS/Montréal, PWHL), Caroline Ouellette (Montréal, QC/Concordia University, RSEQ) and Britni Smith (Port Perry, ON/Syracuse University, AHA), along with goaltending consultant Brad Kirkwood (Calgary, AB/Toronto, PWHL), also provided input.

Included on the roster are 17 players who helped Canada win its fifth Olympic gold medal at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing (Ambrose, Clark, Desbiens, Fast, Fillier, Jenner, Larocque, Maltais, Maschmeyer, Nurse, Poulin, Shelton, Stacey, Spooner, Thompson, Turnbull, Zandee-Hart). It also includes 24 players who helped Canada win a silver medal at the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship (Ambrose, Clark, Desbiens, Gardiner, Gascon, J. Gosling, Fast, Fillier, Jacques, Jenner, Larocque, Maltais, Nurse, O’Neill, Poulin, Primerano, Serdachny, Shelton, Spooner, Stacey, Thompson, Turnbull, Watts, Zandee-Hart).

As part of Canada’s National Para Hockey Team, 20 players – including three goaltenders, six defenceman and 11 forwards – have been selected to participate in camps and events throughout the 2025-26 season. The athletes were selected by the coaching staff, with input from Benoit Roy (Sudbury, ON), director of hockey operations, and Adam Janssen (Richmond Hill, ON), manager of hockey operations.

The roster includes nine players who claimed a silver medal at the 2022 Paralympic Winter Games (Armstrong, Dixon, Dunn, Henry, Hickey, Kingsmill, Lavin, McGregor, Jacobs-Webb). It also includes 16 players who helped Canada win a gold medal at the 2024 World Para Hockey Championship in Calgary (Armstrong, Boily, Burnett, Cozzolino, Dixon, Dunn, Halbert, Henry, Hickey, Jacobs-Webb, Kingsmill, Kovacevich, Lavin, Lelièvre, McGregor, Watson).

For more information on Hockey Canada, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada has announced that its coaching staff from the 2024-25 season will lead Canada’s Women’s Olympic Team at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games, Feb. 5-19, 2026 in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.

Head coach Troy Ryan (Spryfield, NS/Toronto, PWHL) will be joined by assistants Kori Cheverie (New Glasgow, NS/Montréal, PWHL), Caroline Ouellette (Montréal, QC/Concordia University, RSEQ) and Britni Smith (Port Perry, ON/Syracuse University, AHA), along with goaltending consultant Brad Kirkwood (Calgary, AB/Toronto, PWHL).

“It is always an honour and privilege to be in this leadership position as we set our expectations and goals for the Olympics,” said Ryan. “We have a tremendous coaching staff that is committed to the vision and process, and I am excited for the journey ahead. We know our athletes are motivated to compete and we are eager to begin the work towards achieving something extraordinary in seven months time.”

The coaching staff was selected by National Women’s Team general manager Gina Kingsbury (Rouyn-Noranda, QC/Toronto, PWHL), in consultation with Katherine Henderson (Thunder Bay, ON), Hockey Canada’s president and chief executive officer, and Scott Salmond (Creston, BC), senior vice-president of high performance and hockey operations.

“We have made a conscious effort to create an environment for our athletes where consistency among our coaches creates trust and accountability in each other,” said Kingsbury. “Our staff are experienced, detail-oriented and passionate as they give our team the confidence to grow, compete and meet the challenges of both short-term and long-term competition. We continue to build something special with our group and we are excited to see it all come together as we compete for a gold medal in Milan.”

Ryan has served as head coach of the Toronto Sceptres of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) for the past two seasons, earning PWHL Coach of the Year honours in 2023-24. He is entering his sixth season as head coach of Canada’s National Women’s Team, guiding the team to a gold medal at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing. Ryan also earned a silver medal as an assistant coach at the 2018 Olympics. Ryan has added three gold medals at the IIHF Women’s World Championship (2021, 2022, 2024) in addition to silver medals in 2023 and 2025. As an assistant coach, he earned a silver medal at the 2017 Women’s Worlds and bronze in 2019, and won a silver medal as head coach of Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team at the 2017 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship.

Cheverie has served as head coach of the PWHL’s Montréal Victoire for the last two seasons, earning PWHL Coach of the Year honours this season after guiding the Victoire to first place in the regular-season standings. She has won silver medals as an assistant coach with Canada’s National Women’s Team at the 2023 and 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championships, and also added gold medals as an assistant coach at Women’s Worlds in 2021, 2022 and 2024, in addition to the 2022 Olympic Winter Games. Cheverie became the first woman to serve on the coaching staff with one of Canada’s national men’s teams at the 2022 IIHF U18 World Championship. Nationally, she won a silver medal as head coach of Team Nova Scotia at the 2023 Canada Winter Games, the province’s first-ever medal in women’s hockey. She was also the first woman hired as a full-time assistant coach in U SPORTS, spending five seasons (2016-21) with the Ryerson University men’s hockey team.

Ouellette has been the associate head coach at Concordia University since 2021, and recently completed her first season as an assistant coach with the PWHL’s Montréal Victoire. As an assistant coach with Canada’s National Women’s Team, she won gold medals at the IIHF Women’s World Championship in 2022 and 2024, in addition to silver medals in 2023 and 2025, and bronze in 2019. A Team Canada legend during a 17-year playing career, Ouellette won four Olympic gold medals and six world championships and recorded 242 points (87-155—242) in 220 games, the third-most in National Women’s Team history. She was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame and the IIHF Hall of Fame in 2023.

Smith recently completed her third season as head coach at Syracuse University. Prior to joining the Orange, she was an assistant coach at Clarkson University (2014-22), winning NCAA national championships in 2017 and 2018. Smith won a silver medal as an assistant coach with Canada’s National Women’s Team at the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship and earned silver medals as an assistant with Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team at the IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship in 2016 and 2020. Smith also served as an assistant coach with Canada’s National Women’s Development Team in 2018-19.

Kirkwood has held the role of goaltending assistant with the PWHL’s Toronto Sceptres for the past two seasons. He has served as goaltending consultant for Canada’s National Women’s Team since 2015, winning a gold medal at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games alongside a silver medal in 2018. Kirkwood has also won three gold medals at the IIHF Women’s World Championship (2021, 2022, 2024), in addition to four silver medals (2016, 2017, 2023, 2025), and won a gold medal with Canada’s National Women’s Development Team at the 2015 Nations Cup.

Hockey Canada also announced the support staff that will work with Canada’s National Women’s Team for the 2025-26 season:

• Senior manager of player development and scouting Cherie Piper (Scarborough, ON)
• Video coach Andrew Boucher (Timmins, ON)
• Strength and conditioning coach Vicki Bendus (Wasaga Beach, ON/Montréal, PWHL)
• Equipment managers Alana Goulden (Aurora, ON/Toronto, PWHL) and Blair Smook (Airdrie, AB)
• Team physician Laura Bennion (Vancouver, BC)
• Therapists Christine Atkins (Fort Macleod, AB) and Danielle McNally (Wolfville, NS)
• Massage therapist Meagan Cowell (London, ON)
• Performance Coach Judy Riege (Calgary, AB)
• Senior hockey operations manager Dylan Rockwell (Calgary, AB)
• Hockey operations manager Savannah Newton (Halifax, NS)
• Hockey operations coordinator Cassidy Wait (North Vancouver, BC)
• Media relations manager Esther Madziya (Lethbridge, AB)

Canada will open the Olympics against Finland on Feb. 5 at 3:10 p.m. ET/12:10 p.m. PT at Milano Rho Arena. It will also face Switzerland on Feb. 7 at 3:10 pm. ET/12:10 p.m. PT and Czechia on Feb. 9 at 3:10 p.m. ET/12:10 p.m. PT before closing out preliminary-round action against the United States on Feb. 10 at 2:10 p.m. ET/11:10 a.m. PT. The semifinals are set for Feb. 16 before the gold medal game on Feb. 19 at 1:10 p.m. ET/10:10 a.m. PT.

For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Women’s Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow along via social media on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada has announced that Stanley Cup champion Misha Donskov (London, ON) has joined the organization as vice-president of hockey operations and men’s national teams coach, effective immediately.

Reporting to Scott Salmond (Creston, BC), senior vice-president of high performance and hockey operations, Donskov brings National Hockey League (NHL) experience as an executive and coach to the organization and will be responsible for implementing the vision and strategies for Hockey Canada’s men’s, women’s and para hockey teams, and strengthen the alignment between the organization’s hockey operations and business operations staffs.

Donskov will also serve as head coach of Canada’s National Men’s Team at the IIHF World Championship, as assistant coach with the Men’s Olympic Team and as associate coach with Canada’s National Junior Team.

“We are thrilled to name Misha to his role today as he will play a critical role to ensure Canada’s national teams are set up for sustained success when representing our country on the world stage,” said Katherine Henderson (Thunder Bay, ON), Hockey Canada’s president and chief executive officer. “Misha is a proven winner, collaborative leader and unwavering in his commitment to supporting our athletes, coaches and staff, and we know he will make Canadians proud throughout his work with Hockey Canada.

“We received a tremendous number of applications from candidates in Canada, across North America and around the world for this position and appreciate their interest in the role as part of the extensive recruitment process.”

Donskov recently completed his second season as an assistant coach with the Dallas Stars after spending parts of four seasons as an assistant coach (2020-23) with the Vegas Golden Knights, where he won a Stanley Cup in 2023. Before joining the Golden Knights coaching staff, he was the team’s director of hockey operations for four seasons (2016-20). Internationally, Donskov has been part of a number of successful Canadian teams, including championships as an assistant coach at the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off and 2016 World Cup of Hockey. He also won gold at two IIHF World Championships (2015, 2016) and one IIHF World Junior Championship (2015) as manager of hockey operations, analytics and video, and won the 2019 Spengler Cup as director of hockey operations and assistant coach as well as the 2013 Ivan Hlinka Memorial tournament as video coach.

Donskov spent five seasons in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the London Knights (2009-12) and Ottawa 67s (2012-14), highlighted by an OHL championship as London’s assistant general manager and assistant coach in 2012. In addition to his coaching and management career, Donskov has extensive experience in hockey development, including previous NHL roles with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Atlanta Thrashers.

Prior to pursuing a full-time career in hockey, Donskov spent six years with Cardinal Health, a Fortune 500 global, integrated healthcare solutions company. He held roles of increasing responsibility in finance, sales, and sales management. He holds a master's degree in kinesiology with a specialization in coaching education from the University of Western Ontario.

“It is a tremendous honour to be trusted to serve as Vice President, Hockey Operations and National Men’s Teams Coach for Hockey Canada,” said Donskov. “I would like to thank the Hockey Canada Board, Katherine Henderson and Scott Salmond for this incredibly unique opportunity. Hockey Canada has played a significant role in my hockey journey and development — both personal and professional. I am excited to be returning to Hockey Canada to help support our world leading teams, programs and people. In addition, I would like to thank Tom Gaglardi, Jim Nill and Pete DeBoer for affording me the privilege to coach in the National Hockey League and be a part of the Dallas Stars family and organization.”

This is the second critical hockey operations staff announcement ahead of the 2025-26 international hockey season after Hockey Canada announced the hiring of Alan Millar (Tottenham, ON), the first full-time general manager of the Program of Excellence.

“Misha brings a coaching acumen and focus to Hockey Canada that our programs will benefit immensely from,” added Salmond. “With a full time general manager in Alan Millar and now the addition of Misha Donskov, we are in a great position as an organization moving forward.”

Additions to the Program of Excellence management group, as well as the coaching staffs, support staffs and rosters for the under-17, under-18 and under-20 programs will be announced in the coming weeks.

For more information on Hockey Canada and the Program of Excellence, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow through social media on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) welcomed its newest crop of players Tuesday night in the nation’s capital, with 16 Canadians selected in the annual PWHL Draft.

The list features representation from six Members, and 11 players who have worn the Maple Leaf in international competition at some level (or all levels) of the National Women’s Program.

The run of Canadians started from the No. 4 pick, where the Victoire de Montréal selected defender Nicole Gosling, the lone player who has seen time with Canada’s National Women’s Team (and won gold at the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship).

She was the first of three first-rounders, along with fellow blue-liner Kendall Cooper (No. 6 to Minnesota) and Jenna Buglioni, who made history as the first-ever draft pick by Seattle at No. 8.

Each of the six rounds featured at least one Canadian, with three going in each of the first, second, fourth, fifth and sixth rounds. Minnesota, Montréal, New York, Seattle used three of their picks on Canadians, followed by Vancouver (two), Boston (one) and Ottawa (one). The Toronto Sceptres were the lone team not to select a Canadian.

Fourteen of the 16 draft picks are alumnae of the U18 Women’s National Championship, having represented their province or region at the tournament, and four – Tamara Giaquinto (Brampton, 2018); Maya Labad (Lanaudière, 2018); Dayle Ross (St. Albert, 2019) and Vanessa Upson (Stoney Creek, 2019) – competed at the Esso Cup, Canada’s U18 Women’s National Club Championship.

Vancouver made history with the 48th and final choice, selecting University of B.C. product Chanreet Bassi, the first-ever South Asian draft pick.

CANADIAN PLAYERS DRAFTED – BY MEMBER

Ontario Women’s Hockey Association (8) – Brianna Brooks, Kendall Cooper, Tamara Giaquinto, Nicole Gosling, Hannah Murphy, Vanessa Upson, Olivia Wallin, Maddi Wheeler

BC Hockey (3) – Chanreet Bassi, Jenna Buglioni, Anne Cherkowski

Hockey Alberta (2) – Dayle Ross, Sarah Wozniewicz

Hockey Newfoundland & Labrador (1) – Abby Newhook

Hockey P.E.I. (1) – Abby Hustler

Hockey Quebec (1) – Maya Labad

CANADIAN PLAYERS DRAFTED – BY INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE

National Women’s Team (1) – Nicole Gosling

National Women’s Development Team (9) – Jenna Buglioni, Anne Cherkowski, Kendall Cooper, Nicole Gosling, Maya Labad, Hannah Murphy, Abby Newhook, Maddi Wheeler, Sarah Wozniewicz

National Women’s Under-18 Team (10) – Brianna Brooks, Jenna Buglioni, Anne Cherkowski, Kendall Cooper, Tamara Giaquinto, Nicole Gosling, Maya Labad, Olivia Wallin, Maddi Wheeler, Sarah Wozniewicz

Jocelyne Larocque remembers Game No. 1.

It was Nov. 4, 2008, in Lake Placid, New York, and a 20-year-old Larocque was in the lineup for Canada’s National Women’s Team for the first time as it opened up the 4 Nations Cup against Finland.

“I remember being extremely nervous, but really grateful for the opportunity to play on the national team,” Larocque says. “Just thinking every day, be a sponge, absorb as much as you can, watch what other players do and try to do what they do.”

Her debut was a successful one, both individually and as a team; Canada blanked Finland 6-0 and Larocque chipped in the sixth goal in the final minute, jumping in off the blue line to stuff in a Sarah Vaillancourt rebound.

Sixteen-and-a-half years later, Larocque is on the cusp of history. When she steps onto the ice Sunday for the gold medal game at the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship, the Ste. Anne, Manitoba, product will become just the fifth player in Team Canada history – and the first defender – to appear in 200 international games.

She will join Hayley Wickenheiser, Jayna Hefford, Caroline Ouellette and Marie-Philip Poulin, who reached the milestone in Canada’s quarterfinal win over Japan on Thursday.

“When I reflect on my history with Team Canada, I just feel a lot of gratitude,” says Larocque, who plies her trade professionally with the Ottawa Charge of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). “I don't think it’s common for people to be able to do what they love at the highest level on so many occasions. I reflect on when I first came on the team to where my journey has gone, and what really stands out to me is the people, the staff and players that I've been able to play with.”

She is a four-time world champion (2012, 2021, 2022, 2024) and a two-time Olympic gold medallist (2014, 2022) whose hockey résumé is as impressive as they come.

Twice an NCAA national champion (2008, 2010) and twice a First Team All-American (2008-09, 2010-11) at the University of Minnesota Duluth, Larocque also won a trio of Western Women’s Hockey League titles with the Calgary Oval X-Treme from 2005-07 and a Clarkson Cup with the Markham Thunder in 2018, and she was the first Canadian selected in the inaugural PWHL Draft in 2023, going second overall to Toronto.

And yet she still finds herself as one of the most underrated players in the women’s game. Perhaps it’s her lack of offensive numbers – that goal in her debut all the way back in 2008 is one of just nine she has scored wearing the Maple Leaf.

But what she brings to the team, and to the defensive group in particular, is so much more valuable.

“She hasn't been in a position to produce offensively because of that really important [shutdown] role that she's been given,” says Renata Fast, a teammate since 2015 and frequent blue-line partner. “She owns it, and she's so good at it. She loves shutting down other teams, and a lot of the time, a player like her, who's very defensive-minded, doesn't get the credit they deserve. I think for years, she's been the hardest player in the world to play against, and she's been a huge part of the success this program has had because just of her steadiness back there.

“In my time in the program, she's been the person that's changed the culture, allowing players to play their game right away, because she wants people to come in and be themselves, and you can sense that from just being around her. She’s just such an incredible teammate and one of the greatest leaders.”

As a leader, Larocque learned from the best. At that 2008 4 Nations Cup, she remembers the generosity of veterans Becky Kellar and Cheryl Pounder, providing an opportunity to pick their brains about all things Team Canada. She also mentions Wickenheiser and Colleen Sostorics as role models.

Now it’s her turn to be that role model for a young defensive group that in Ceske Budejovice includes 24-year-old Sophie Jaques and 18-year-old Chloe Primerano, two players with a combined six games of senior team experience coming into the tournament.

But for Larocque, it’s not about experience. It’s about having fun, playing relaxed and simply just enjoying the time you have with the Maple Leaf on your chest. That’s where success begins.

“I'm extremely competitive,” she says. “Everybody in this [Women’s Worlds] is, but you do have to remember that you're having a lot of fun. And I find when I'm playing light and free and fun, that's when I'm playing my best. Our D corps for many years now, things are very light and fun, but also very focused and detailed. I feel really proud that we've created that.

“What I like to remind younger players is that this is the highest level, so there are going to be mistakes, but to not let the mistakes define you or hurt your confidence. You can learn from them but still be confident in yourself and your abilities and to not let that snowball.”

Born May 19, 1988, Larocque has been the elder stateswoman with Team Canada for a number of years now, but the soon-to-be 37-year-old admits it wasn’t until Sarah Fillier joined the team as its first player born in the 2000s a few seasons ago that she really started to think about age.

Not surprisingly, they were thoughts of gratitude.

“The longer you play, obviously [younger] people are going to be coming up,” she says. “It’s kind of inevitable, but it's also something where you do take a second and you're like, ‘Wow, I am grateful that I'm still able to play at this level, doing what I love,’ because hockey brings me so much joy.”

“You have someone at this world championship like Chloe, who's quite a bit younger than her, and I know Chloe is so comfortable to go up to Joce and ask her for advice and spend time with her,” Fast adds. “And I know when I joined the program, Joce is someone that I migrated towards right away, just because of the quality she exudes, just so comforting and such a positive person in our locker room.”

But don’t let all this talk about age give the wrong impression. In her 12th Women’s Worlds and with a potential fourth Olympic Winter Games less than a year away, Larocque isn’t going anywhere.

“I've never let age dictate or hold me back,” she says. “I still think that I'm getting better and better every year, but [playing 200 games] also comes with a lot of discipline, where you do need to stay on top of your fitness. And I think that what has helped me stay on this team for so many years is making sure that I'm always ready – physically, mentally and emotionally.”

GAME NOTES: CANADA VS. UNITED STATES (APRIL 20)

It all comes down to this. Canada’s National Women's Team faces off against the United States on Sunday in the gold medal game at the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship.

Last Game

Canada scored four goals in 1:58 late in the second period to down Finland 8-1 in the semifinals Saturday. The Finns opened the scoring just 46 seconds into the game, but Erin Ambrose responded quickly and Marie-Philip Poulin added a record-breaking goal as the game-winner before the end of the first period. Fifteen players registered at least a point in the game, with Claire Thompson leading the way with her second-straight three-point performance (1-2—3) and Daryl Watts scoring a pair of goals. Ann-Renée Desbiens had 19 saves to record her 22nd Women’s Worlds win—the most of any goaltender in tournament history.

The U.S. earned its spot in the gold medal game with a narrow 2-1 win over Czechia. After the hosts scored the lone goal of the first period, Laila Edwards tied the game on a power play in the middle frame and Kelly Pannek notched the game-winning goal midway through the third to keep the Americans’ streak of appearing in every Women’s Worlds intact—24 for 24.

Last Meeting

Always the marquee matchup of the preliminary round, Canada dropped a 2-1 decision to the United States last Sunday. The Americans held a 2-0 lead after two periods before Laura Stacey scored on a breakaway to cut the lead in half seven minutes into the third. Desbiens made 26 saves in goal.

What to Watch

Jocelyne Larocque is set to become the first defender to reach 200 career games with Canada’s National Women’s Team. The 36-year-old has been a cornerstone of the Canadian blue line for over a decade and will become the fifth player to reach the milestone, following Poulin earlier in the tournament. In addition to her typical standout play on the defensive side, Larocque has three assists and is +5 heading into the gold medal game. On offence, Poulin continues to lead the way with four goals and seven assists in six games, putting her atop the tournament scoring list. The 34-year-old has found tremendous chemistry with Victoire de Montréal teammates Jenn Gardiner and Laura Stacey; the trio has combined for 11 goals and 27 points in six games and are a combined +31.

The Americans have gone with a scoring-by-committee approach, getting at least four points from six different players (Carpenter, Janecke, Keller, Knight, Murphy, Pannek). Hilary Knight continues to play at a high level in her 15th Women’s Worlds; the U.S. captain came into the tournament as the all-time leader in goals (67) and points (119), and became the all-time assist leader on April 15, passing the legendary Hayley Wickenheiser and her 49 assists to now sit at 52. Pannek is leading the way offensively for the Americans with four goals and eight points in six games.

Milestone Watch

Poulin may have taken over from Hayley Wickenheiser as Canada’s all-time points leader at the IIHF Women’s World Championship, but Captain Canada still has a couple of milestones on her mind. She needs two more goals to surpass Jayna Hefford as Canada’s all-time leading goal scorer and one more assist to take over from Wickenheiser atop that category.

A Look Back

It’s Chapter 192 in the story of Canada vs. United States, with the Canadians in search of win No. 109 in the rivalry.

This Women’s Worlds in Czechia marks the 11th different country to have hosted the North American rivals (in order of countries played in: Canada, Finland, United States, Japan, Sweden, Italy, China, Russia, South Korea, Denmark and Czechia).

All-time record: Canada leads 108-82-1 (25-21 in OT/SO)
Canada goals: 530
United States goals: 467

GAME NOTES: CANADA VS. FINLAND (APRIL 19)

It’s Semifinal Saturday at the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship, with Canada’s National Women's Team set to take on Finland in its final four faceoff at Budvar Arena.

Last Game

Canada punched its ticket to the semifinals with a 9-1 win over Japan in its quarterfinal Thursday. Jenn Gardiner and Sarah Fillier scored two goals apiece to pace the offence for the Canadians, who piled up 62 shots on goal. Claire Thompson added a goal and two assists, Renata Fast had three helpers, and 14 skaters recorded at least a point. Included in that list was Marie-Philip Poulin; the captain celebrated her 200th international game with her 86th point at Women’s Worlds, pulling even with Hayley Wickenheiser for the most by a Canadian in tournament history.

The Finns survived their Nordic neighbours in their quarterfinal, edging Sweden 3-2 in the first game of the day Thursday. Jennina Nylund and Ronja Savolainen scored in the first period and Susana Tapani netted the winner midway through the second after the Swedes had battled back, assuring Finland a place in the medal games for the second year in a row and 22nd time in 24 Women’s Worlds dating back to the inaugural event in 1990.

Last Meeting

Canada and Finland met last Thursday in the Canadians’ prelim opener, a 5-0 win. Gardiner scored a pair of goals, Poulin had a goal and an assist and Kristen Campbell was perfect in her first-ever Women’s Worlds start, making 24 saves for the shutout.

What to Watch

Gardiner has been a revelation for the Canadians, leading the tournament with five goals in as many games (and sitting in a four-way tie for second with seven points) despite coming into the tournament with just four games of National Women’s Team experience (and only 14 across all three levels of the Team Canada women’s program). And it doesn’t seem to matter where head coach Troy Ryan plugs the Surrey, B.C., native into the lineup – she opened the tournament with a pair of goals on the top line with Poulin and Laura Stacey, and struck twice on the fourth unit alongside Kristin O’Neill and Emma Maltais against the Japanese. Gardiner is no stranger to filling the net; she averaged more than a point per game across her final three NCAA seasons with Ohio State University and won a pair of national championships with the Buckeyes, and those offensive skills have transferred pretty well to the pro grame; Gardiner is second in PWHL rookie scoring with 16 points (4-12—16) in 27 games, trailing only Fillier.

Finland misses Jenni Hiirikoski. Seven times the Top Defender at Women’s Worlds, the tournament’s all-time leader in games played (96) and the Finns’ heart-and-soul captain, Hiirikoski is absent from the lineup for the first time since 2003 due to a mysterious illness that has kept her sidelined for all but four games since January. With the future Hall of Famer missing, Savolainen has done the heavy lifting on the Finnish blue-line, scoring three of her team’s 10 goals and averaging more than 21 minutes per game. Finland will also need its goaltenders to step up. The trio of Sanni Ahola, Anni Keisala and Emilia Kyrkko have all made appearances thus far, but have combined for a tournament-low .870 save percentage.

Milestone Watch

Poulin has a couple of milestones on her mind. Captain Canada needs three more goals to surpass Jayna Hefford as Canada’s all-time leading goal scorer at the IIHF Women’s World Championship, and two more assists and one more point to take over from Hayley Wickenheiser atop those categories.

In goal, Ann-Renée Desbiens needs just one victory to surpass Swiss icon Florence Schelling and become the winningest goaltender in Women’s Worlds history (22).

A Look Back

The head-to-head history sways decisively to the North American side of the Atlantic Ocean, with Canada owning 88 wins and a tie in 91 all-time meetings with Finland.

This will be the 14th time the Canadians and Finns will face off in a semifinal at Women’s Worlds; the 12th and most recent victory for Canada came in 2017 in Michigan, when Poulin had a goal and an assist and Shannon Szabados posted a 23-save shutout in a 4-0 win.

All-time record: Canada leads 88-2-1
Canada goals: 469
Finland goals: 115