The Excitement Builds for the Olympics: A Look at Canada vs. Switzerland (Women)
In a thrilling lead-up to the upcoming Winter Olympics in Italy, Hockey Canada has officially invited a total of 92 talented players from its men’s, women’s, and para hockey teams to participate in the National Teams Orientation Camp. This significant event is scheduled for August 26 to 28 in Calgary, promising to be an exciting opportunity for athletes to prepare for the competitive season ahead.
This three-day camp will serve as a crucial off-ice gathering for players and coaching staff across all three divisions. It will feature a variety of activities, such as presentations aimed at enhancing team cohesion, team meetings, and media interactions, all designed to gear up for the Olympic season.
Scott Salmond, Hockey Canada’s senior vice-president of high performance and hockey operations, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "We are thrilled to present the 92 athletes who will embark on this journey towards Italy. Bringing our men’s, women’s, and para hockey teams together for these three days marks an important first step in our quest to achieve triple gold in February.” He acknowledged the challenges that lay ahead, including rigorous evaluations and tough roster decisions, but emphasized the importance of uniting as one cohesive team during their time in Calgary.
Katherine Henderson, Hockey Canada’s president and CEO, also shared her excitement about the upcoming season. "This year promises to be exhilarating for Hockey Canada and the sport as a whole. We are fortunate to have the chance to unify Canadians through our National Winter Sport, and we believe our national team athletes, coaches, and support staff will represent our country with great pride both on and off the ice, striving for excellence in performance."
On the Men’s Side: 42 players from the National Hockey League (NHL) have been chosen, which includes three goaltenders, 13 defensemen, and 26 forwards. The selection process was led by general manager Doug Armstrong, alongside assistant general managers Julien BriseBois, Jim Nill, and Don Sweeney, with contributions from player relations advisor Ryan Getzlaf. Notably, among the selected players are three Olympic gold medalists (Crosby, Doughty, Tavares), along with numerous other athletes boasting prestigious accolades such as IIHF World Championship gold medals and Stanley Cup victories.
On the Women’s Side: 30 players have been named to the National Women's Team for the duration of the 2025-26 season. This group includes four goaltenders, 10 defense players, and 16 forwards, all chosen by general manager Gina Kingsbury and head coach Troy Ryan, who emphasized the importance of their preparation and development over the upcoming training blocks and events. Included in this roster are 17 players who contributed to Canada’s fifth Olympic gold medal triumph at the 2022 Winter Games, further showcasing the depth of talent within the team.
In the Para Hockey Sphere: A total of 20 players have been selected to join Canada’s National Para Hockey Team, comprising three goaltenders, six defensemen, and 11 forwards. This group will engage in various camps and events throughout the 2025-26 season, selected by the coaching staff with insights from key figures in hockey operations. Among the roster are nine silver medalists from the 2022 Paralympic Winter Games and 16 gold medalists from the 2024 World Para Hockey Championship.
For those eager to delve deeper into Hockey Canada, more information can be found at their official website, HockeyCanada.ca, or by following them on social media platforms like Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.
What do you think about the selection of these athletes? Are there any surprises on the roster that caught your attention? Join the conversation below!
