Hockey Canada has unveiled the rosters for its National Women’s Under‑18 and Development Teams, setting the stage for a high‑stakes August showdown with the United States.
Eve Gascon, a senior goaltender who first wore the Canadian jersey in last year’s Rivalry Series, has earned a spot on the Development Team, bringing veteran presence to a young lineup.
Joining her is junior forward Caitlin Kraemer, whose breakout performance last season helped secure her place among the 22‑player Development squad.
The Development roster comprises 22 athletes: two goaltenders, seven defensemen and 13 forwards, a balance that reflects Hockey Canada’s strategic approach to depth and flexibility.
On the Under‑18 side, 17‑year‑old defenseman Renee Lapointe, a native of Barrie, Ontario, makes her debut after a standout season with the University of Minnesota Duluth.
Lapointe’s family background adds a compelling narrative; she is the daughter of Nathalie Rivard, a three‑time IIHF Women’s World Championship gold‑medalist, and trains under Laura Schuler, the head coach of the UMD Bulldogs.
A Legacy of Excellence
Schuler, herself a member of a storied hockey lineage, emphasizes the importance of continuity and mentorship as the teams prepare for the August series.
The upcoming three‑game series, scheduled for August 12‑15 at the Richmond Olympic Oval, will pit Canada’s promising talent against a formidable U.S. opponent, offering a crucial preview of the next generation of women’s hockey.
Five college graduates, including Ashley Messier, were deemed ineligible for the Development Team, underscoring the organization’s focus on emerging talent.
With ties to the Professional Women’s Hockey League’s Vancouver Goldeneye and a partnership with IIHF’s Women’s World Championship platform, the squads are positioned to further elevate the sport’s profile.
The selections reflect a blend of experience and youthful vigor, promising an exciting chapter for Canadian women’s hockey as the nation looks ahead to future international competitions.