Skien 2024: Get to Know France 

The 2024 World Para Ice Hockey Championships B-Pool will take place from 15-20 April in Skien, Norway. It will be the 10th edition of World Championships B-Pool and first time Norway will play host. Six teams will compete, with the top two finishers advancing to the A-Pool for next season and the bottom finisher being relegated to the C-Pool. 

Follow along as we break down what you need to know about each team. 

Background

France will be making its debut at the B-Pool World Championships after winning the bronze medal at the last C-Pool event in 2022. Supported by the French Ice Hockey Federation, the programme has been rapidly building ever since hosting a “Discovery of Para Ice Hockey” event in April 2021 and is looking to gain steam with Paralympic awareness growing in Paris as the host of the summer Paralympics this year.

World Championships History

2022: Bronze (C-Pool)

Athlete to Watch

Franck Cadonna, previously an able-bodied hockey player, has been the team captain since the programme began. Off the ice, Cadonna aims to be the liaison between the staff and the players to make sure that the group is united throughout the tournament and to bring his experience as a hockey player.

Coaching Duties

David Lemetais wore his emotions on his sleeve when France made their World Championships debut in the C-Pool in 2022 — and now the second time around at the world stage his expectations for the team are even greater.

Matchup to Watch: France vs. Norway on 15 April 

France’s first game of the tournament — the last one of the opening day of competition — will be the toughest matchup the programme has faced in its short history. As the no. 6 seed at the event, France will face the top seed; the game will reveal how well both the teams have practiced since their lats meeting on the international stage.