Veteran-led team heads to Newcastle, Australia, looking to build on last year’s silver medal
Ottawa, Ont. – October 23, 2026 – Women’s Para Hockey of Canada has named the team that will represent Canada at the 2026 World Para Ice Hockey Women’s World Championships, taking place November 24–30 in Newcastle, Australia.
Head coach Tara Chisholm and her coaching staff, Derek Whitson, Adam Dixon & Tim Whitson, selected the roster following a training camp in Calgary, Alberta, from October 9–12. This will be the second Women’s World Championship in the sport’s history.
“This is the strongest team we’ve ever fielded, and I couldn’t be prouder to coach this group,” said Chisholm. “We have talented, intelligent players who bring out the best in one another and make us dangerous across our lineup. Every athlete has represented Canada before, and they bring that experience alongside a hunger to keep getting better. I can’t wait to see this group bring everything they’ve worked for to the ice in Australia.”
The team will be led by veterans Christina Picton, a dual sport athlete in Para Nordic Skiing and Para Hockey, Alanna Mah, one of a small group of women who have attended both men’s and women’s para hockey national team camps alongside Raphaëlle Tousignant, who will be returning to competition after a year away from the ice.
They are joined by silver medalists at last year’s World Championship Peggy Assinck, Emilie Charron-Pilotte, Aubree Clements, Sheena Darnley, Hadley Frittenburg, Mackenzie Spong, Peyton Vergie as well as three athletes making their World Championship debut Hailey Halik, Hailey King and Alicia Souveny.
The team will be backed by goaltenders Jessie Gregory and Maggie Manning. Goaltender Justyne Bennett will also travel with the team in a video support role for these games.
The Canadian team’s volunteer staff, who have supported the program all season, will continue in their roles at the Championships including Dr. Lindsay Bradley, High Performance Director and Team Physician; Tanner Fandrey, Equipment Manager; Katie Mitchell, Athletic Therapist and Physiotherapist; Karen Hyslop, Massage Therapist and Chelsea Mackenzie, Strength and Conditioning Coach.
Women’s Para Hockey of Canada thanks its key partners, Canadian Tire and the Hockey Canada Foundation, along with equipment and supply partners Bauer, Kinemedics and Gatorade. Team Canada will also arrive in Australia early for acclimatization and training, made possible by the support of Pliability.
Game schedules and results are available at https://www.paralympic.org/ice-hockey.
Media requests and availabilities can be directed to:
Lindsay Bradley
High Performance Director
hpd@wphcanada.com
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About Women’s Para Hockey of Canada
Women’s Para Hockey of Canada is dedicated to advancing and promoting para ice hockey opportunities for women across the country. Through athlete development, competition, and advocacy, WPHC supports the growth of the sport at all levels while fostering excellence, inclusion, and national pride.
