A New Chapter for the U.S. Collegiate Women’s Select Team
The United States will face Canada in a three‑game series this year, a matchup that has become a cornerstone of women’s collegiate hockey development. The contest, held in Richmond, British Columbia, offers a rare chance for elite college athletes to test themselves against top‑level competition and to showcase their readiness for future national‑team responsibilities.
Twenty‑five players were chosen from a pool of 46 athletes who competed at the Women’s National Festival in Lake Placid, New York. The roster draws talent from 13 different college programs and includes eight members of last year’s Collegiate Series squad, underscoring the continuity and depth of the talent pipeline.
Among the selected athletes is Ava McNaughton, the 2026 Olympic gold‑medalist and standout goaltender. Her presence adds a veteran edge to a group that blends fresh faces with proven performers, all eager to make an impression on the coaching staff.
Head coach John Wroblewski has emphasized player development, describing the series as an ‘iron sharpens iron’ environment. He notes that the team’s focus on predictability and synchronized habits is designed to accelerate growth and prepare athletes for the rigors of international competition.
A Decade of Dominance
The United States has historically excelled in this series, capturing 11 victories in the past ten years, including a six‑year winning streak and nine titles in the last decade. Recent triumphs have also been bolstered by collegiate contributors who helped secure gold at the senior World Championship earlier this year.
The upcoming series in Richmond serves as a critical bridge between the under‑18 pipeline and the senior U.S. Women’s National Team. It provides a controlled setting where coaches can evaluate adaptability, consistency and the ability to execute game plans under pressure.
As the 20th iteration of the Collegiate Series unfolds, the U.S. squad is determined to replicate last year’s mixed results — a regulation win, a shootout victory and a shootout loss — while building on a tradition of excellence that has defined the program for years.