Women's World Challenge 2023: Top five storylines

The second edition of the Para Ice Hockey Women’s World Challenge presented by Citi was deemed an incredible success in Green Bay, USA where 67 women representing four teams participated along with an all-women officiating crew. 

As the women’s side of the sport continues to grow with the ultimate goal of adding it to the Paralympic Winter Games programme one day, here is a look back at the top five storylines from the event following its conclusion. 

USA’s explosion of youth

The U.S. went undefeated at the event for the second straight year, outscoring its opponents 19-0 en route to gold, much in thanks to its youth movement on the ice. Five of Team USA’s players were under 19, with the youngest being Madeline Gallagher, who turned 16 last month. The young stars combined for 11 of the team’s 19 goals, along with nine assists in the tournament. At age 18, Catherine Faherty anchored the youth movement with three goals and four assists.

“Our girls have one mission right now, and that’s to take this sport globally,” said U.S. head coach Rose Misiewicz, who was extremely impressed with her rising stars. 

Canada’s puck-stopping all-star 

Jessie Gregory led all goaltenders at the tournament with 45 saves, helping backstop Canada to another silver medal. In two games, she held her own, posting a 2.62 goals against average and 0.900 save percentage, and stopping 23 shots in the gold-meal game.

“The level of competition we saw at this tournament was really exciting,” said Canada’s head coach Tara Chisholm. “We have some women in our goaltenders (like Jessie) who have been around for a while who can help the new ones before our games to get out the nerves.”

Sensational Schroeder on and off ice 

Norway’s Lena Schroeder — one of only three women to compete in Para ice hockey at the Paralympics — represented Team World in Green Bay, helping lead the squad to a bronze medal with a tournament-high five goals. It was her first appearance at the event after being on maternity leave last year, and her influence off the ice as a mentor to athletes from various countries mirrored her impact on the ice. She was the mother hen of the team, and a trailblazer for women in the sport everywhere.

“I’ve been able to help the other girls as a mentor to help grow the sport,” Schroeder said. “I’m now seeing this sport grow year by year.”

Great Britain’s legacy 

While Great Britain failed to medal in Green Bay, the event was one stop of many for several of its athletes this year. Four or five British women are expected to now compete again next month at the World Para Ice Hockey Championships B-Pool in Astana, Kazakhstan under the same head coach, Ian Offers. The squad has also held several more training camps as a team, getting skates and reps in on a continuous basis as a result of the annual Women’s World Challenge they’ve had to prepare for the last two years.

"It’s been busy alright,” Offers said. “It’s good to get the experience and build the programme, though, as that’s how we are here playing today.”

Green Bay’s infamous family 

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) was a family affair in Green Bay, as former World Para Ice Hockey official Brad Roethlisberger and his family put together the event. Roethlisberger, who officiated several Paralympic Winter Games and World Championships in the sport, served as the Chair of the LOC, with numerous members of his family partaking in key logistical roles to make the event such as tremendous success. 

More information and complete results from the Women’s World Challenge can be found here.