Record Surge in Women's Hockey
Hockey Canada announced that a record 121,000 women and girls are now registered in its sanctioned programs across the country, a 5% rise from the previous year. The figure forms part of a total 615,000 registered players nationwide, underscoring the sport's expanding footprint.
Katherine Henderson, president and chief executive officer of Hockey Canada, highlighted the milestone as a testament to the sport’s growing reach. Increased visibility from recent Olympic tournaments and the professional Premier Women’s Hockey League has sparked new interest among young athletes, while initiatives such as the NHL/NHLPA First Shift program have contributed, with 4,002 girls participating this season.
Driving Forces Behind the Growth
The surge is linked to heightened visibility from recent Olympic tournaments and the professional Premier Women’s Hockey League, which have sparked new interest among young athletes. Initiatives such as the NHL/NHLPA First Shift program have also contributed, with 4,002 girls participating this season.
Canadian influence extends beyond domestic numbers. In the 2026 PWHL Draft, 42% of selections were Canadian, and nearly half of all players on PWHL rosters hail from Canada.
The Montreal Victoire and Ottawa Charge met in an all‑Canadian championship series, with Montreal capturing the Walter Cup and captain Marie‑Philip Poulin earning playoff MVP honors.
International Triumphs
On the international stage, Canada secured silver medals at both the 2025 World Championships and the 2026 Olympics, underscoring the nation’s competitive depth. The team will next travel to Denmark in November for the 2026 World Championships, aiming to improve on past performances.
Domestically, Quebec claimed its first-ever U‑18 National Championship, while for the first time in tournament history an Ontario squad failed to capture gold, highlighting shifting power balances within the country.
Looking Ahead to 2027
With the Olympics and PWHL continuing to drive enthusiasm, analysts expect registration figures to climb again in the 2026‑27 season, promising further growth for women’s hockey in Canada.