Hockey Canada is ready to start the 2024-25 season by calling 48 top athletes to join Canada’s National Women’s Team September Camp. The camp will take place at Canada Games Park in Thorold, Ontario, from September 9 to 15. The event brings together experienced stars and hopefully new players who all want a place on the team for the next season.
The camp lineup includes six goalkeepers, 16 defense players, and 26 forwards. It was picked by general manager Gina Kingsbury, head coach Troy Ryan, assistant coaches Kori Cheverie, Caroline Ouellette, and Britni Smith, and goaltending advisor Brad Kirkwood. This camp is important for deciding Team Canada’s entry in big international contests like the Rivalry Series and the IIHF Women’s World Championship, which is set for April 2025.
Veterans and New Faces
The team that won the gold medal at last year's IIHF Women’s World Championship has invited twenty-one of its players again. Seasoned stalwarts like Marie-Philip Poulin, Sarah Nurse, and Brianne Jenner will provide direction to the new players, which will enhance Canada's power to compete effectively.
The National Women's Team is to welcome seven new players, like Jade Amos and Sarah Kraemer, for the first time at their camp. These emerging talents aspire to demonstrate their abilities among Canada's elite athletes and confirm their worthiness for a position on the final team list.
“This is a very big chance to check how deep talent is in our player group and make a good start for the new season,” said Gina Kingsbury. She pointed out that both improvement and stability are very important as Canada tries to keep its top place in the world of women's hockey.
Intrasquad Games
The camp includes many activities, such as practices, fitness tests, and two intrasquad matches. The Red team will play the White team on September 12 and 14. One of these games is scheduled to happen at Canada Games Park, located at Brock University. Fans are encouraged to go and see some of the athletes who might represent Canada next year.
The matches within the squad show not only a glimpse of the team's lineup but also give fans a chance to connect with players. For people who cannot be there, the media will have access to report on the games, making sure that many can see important moments from camp.
Rivalry Series and World Championships
After camp, players return to their Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) or college teams. However, the next big challenge awaits in the Rivalry Series against the United States. Starting November 6 in San Jose, California, this yearly series is now a major event for women’s hockey and showcases top talent from both countries.
The Rivalry Series, set for February 2025, will feature events in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Summerside, Prince Edward Island, giving fans many chances to cheer for their national team. The strong contest between Canada and the U.S. has raised the sport’s visibility; it attracts interest from hockey supporters all over the world.
The camp is very important for Team Canada as they get ready for the series and the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship. The journey to these big events starts in Thorold, where players will work really hard to try and secure a spot on the final team list.
Growing the Game
Hockey Canada is focused not just on winning at top levels but also on growing new hockey talent. Before the Rivalry Series, Hockey Canada plans to share programs that encourage young players to join and enjoy the sport. These programs will let young athletes meet with Team Canada members. They can get inspiration and learn what hard work is needed to play at the top level.
These actions, together with the well-known Rivalry Series, will help expand women's hockey throughout Canada. As more people become interested in the sport, these steps are crucial to creating a solid base for future generations.
Season Outlook
The coming season of 2024-25 is swiftly drawing near, and Team Canada's readiness activities are going forward at full speed. The training camp in September will give the coaches valuable understanding about which players are prepared to play a significant role in the team's victory. Starting from internal team matches in Thorold all the way up to international contests during the Rivalry Series; there would be lots of thrilling moments on our path towards competing in the IIHF Women’s World Championship scheduled for 2025.
Supporters of women's hockey have much to anticipate this season. You can observe the camp’s internal matches, try online betting, encourage the team in the Rivalry Series, or follow Canada’s journey toward another World Championship. There will be a lot of exciting moments available.
As the 2024-25 season begins, players at Canada's National Women's Team September Camp will establish the mood for another exciting year of tournaments. Both experienced members and new faces striving to play for their nation make this camp a crucial phase toward global victory.