Get ready for high-stakes hockey! The stage is set for the 2026 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship in Nova Scotia, and the pre-tournament schedule is packed with exciting matchups and community initiatives designed to grow the game. But here's where it gets controversial... will these efforts truly create lasting change, or are they just a drop in the bucket? Let's dive in and see what's in store!
Mark Your Calendars: Pre-Tournament Action Heats Up!
Hockey Canada has officially released the pre-tournament schedule for the 2026 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship, which will be held from January 10-18 in the vibrant communities of Sydney and Membertou, Nova Scotia. Get a sneak peek at the full schedule here: https://hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/team-canada/women/under-18/2025-26/world-championship/stats/schedule.
Before the main event kicks off, five thrilling games will take place across four communities over three action-packed days. The pre-tournament games offer a fantastic opportunity for fans to witness rising stars and get a taste of the intense competition to come. Here's the breakdown:
- January 5-6: Slovakia vs. Hungary at Canlan Sports in North York, Ontario (a double-header!)
- January 6: Sweden vs. Switzerland at the Kehoe Forum in Sydney, Nova Scotia
- January 7: Czechia vs. United States at the RBC Centre in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
- January 7: Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team (https://hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/team-canada/women/under-18/2025-26) vs. Finland at the Scotiabank Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia
More Than Just Hockey: Community and Development Take Center Stage
In collaboration with the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and the Province of Nova Scotia, Hockey Canada is committed to making the 2026 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship a truly memorable experience. A series of community initiatives are planned, with a strong emphasis on expanding and sustaining participation in women’s and girls’ hockey, as well as fostering meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities. And this is the part most people miss... These initiatives are designed to leave a lasting legacy, not just a fleeting moment of excitement.
“The IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship is quickly approaching, and we are excited to unveil the pre-tournament schedule and continue to build excitement for the event before the competing teams kick off the tournament on Jan. 10,” said D’Arcy Hutcheson, director of events for Hockey Canada. “We are also thrilled that fans in the community and throughout the province will have the opportunity to get involved in the event through several impactful initiatives that will leave a lasting legacy on women’s and girls’ hockey, and the community as a whole.”
Empowering Women and Girls in Hockey
Hockey Canada, in partnership with Hockey Nova Scotia, is rolling out a series of impactful development activities specifically designed for women and girls leading up to and during the championship. These programs aim to provide valuable resources, training, and opportunities for growth.
- Coaching Development Clinics: Aspiring and current coaches, take note! Coaching development clinics, in partnership with the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), will be held on January 4 in Halifax (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2CG33S9) and January 5 in Sydney (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2CZJWLM). These clinics are open to all Hockey Nova Scotia-registered coaches and provide invaluable insights and strategies.
- Indigenous Coaching Mentorship: In collaboration with local Indigenous communities, Hockey Canada and Hockey Nova Scotia will offer a unique mentorship opportunity. Selected emerging high-performance Indigenous coaches will gain practical experience by shadowing the coaching staffs of competing teams during the pre-tournament phase. This initiative promotes inclusivity and supports the development of Indigenous coaches.
- Signature Esso Fun Day: On January 14, Eskasoni First Nation will host a Signature Esso Fun Day, in partnership with the Cape Breton Blizzard. This event offers girls of all ages who are new to hockey a chance to learn basic skills in a fun, supportive, and free environment. Bauer, the official equipment provider to Team Canada, will donate equipment to participants, and National Women’s Team alumna Victoria Bach will be a special guest.
- Equity in Coaching Conference: Cape Breton University will host the Equity in Coaching Conference on January 16 (https://cbu.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=1499). This conference will feature research and academic presentations, as well as presentations from Hockey Canada and the IIHF. Victoria Bach will deliver the keynote address, providing insights and inspiration to attendees.
Honoring Indigenous Culture
Hockey Canada is working closely with the Membertou First Nation to weave Indigenous elements into every aspect of the 2026 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship. This collaboration demonstrates a commitment to reconciliation and cultural appreciation.
- Community Access: Through the Membertou First Nation, 1,000 tickets will be distributed to local Indigenous community organizations, schools, and councils, providing community members with the opportunity to experience the excitement of the games.
- Handmade Awards: The players of the game will receive a beautiful, handmade beaded mayflower, Nova Scotia’s provincial flower, crafted by local Indigenous artisans Andrea Dennis and Rosalee Doucette.
- Symbolic Flag: A special flag designed by Kierra Marshall, representing the Membertou First Nation, will be proudly displayed during all pre-game ceremonies.
- Unique Jersey Design: A one-of-a-kind Team Canada jersey, designed in collaboration with the Membertou First Nation, Michael MacMillan of the Ability Collective, and Deana Lloy of Red Label Kilts, will be featured throughout the event. This jersey celebrates the Mi’kmaq community, Cape Breton’s natural beauty and culture, and the classic tartan of Nova Scotia.
Welcoming New Canadians and Giving Back
- First-Game Program: Two hundred tickets for games throughout the IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship will be donated to local settlement agencies to encourage new Canadians to attend their first hockey game. This initiative aims to introduce newcomers to the sport and foster a sense of belonging. Tickets will be distributed through the Cape Breton Partnership, Cape Breton Island Centre for Immigration, YMCA Immigrant Services, and the Multicultural Association of Cape Breton.
- Community Support: The IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship will also host a clothing and toiletries drive at all Team Canada games to support Nadine’s Comfort Closet, a program that provides students at local schools with essential items. The event will also feature an expanded recycling and food recovery program to promote sustainability in the local community.
Get Your Tickets and Be Part of the Action!
The 2026 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship was awarded to Sydney and Membertou in April 2025. Don't miss your chance to witness the future of women's hockey! Secure your seats and SEE THEE RISE by purchasing a variety of ticket options at HockeyCanada.ca/Tickets (https://hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/team-canada/women/under-18/2025-26/world-championship/tickets).
Stay Connected
For more information on the IIHF, visit the official tournament site (https://www.iihf.com/en/events/2026/ww18), or follow the IIHF on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/iihfwomen), X (https://x.com/iihfhockey), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/iihfwomen/?igsh=MXNiZzFvMTlyZmF1ZQ%3D%3D) and TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@iihfhockey).
For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team, visit HockeyCanada.ca (https://hockeycanada.ca/), or follow along via social media on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/HockeyCanada/), X (https://twitter.com/HockeyCanada), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/hockeycanada/?hl=en) and TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@officialhockeycanada).
So, what do you think? Are these community initiatives enough to make a real difference in women's and girls' hockey, and Indigenous engagement? Or is more needed? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let's get the conversation started!
