Dolny Kubin 2025: Get to know Norway

The inaugural World Para Ice Hockey Women’s World Championships will take place from 26-31 August in Dolny Kubin, Slovakia with six teams competing for gold. Hosted by the National Paralympic Committee of Slovakia at the Dolny Kubin Winter Stadium, the tournament will feature an all-women’s officiating crew with the games to be streamed live on the Paralympic YouTube channel. 

Group A features the USA, Norway and Australia while Group B includes Canada, Great Britain and Team World – a squad composed of players from multiple nationalities. Following the round-robin stage, group winners will meet the runners-up from the opposite group in the semi-finals on 30 August, with the medal games slated for 31 August.

Background

With deep roots in the sport as one of the first nations to play Para ice hockey, Norway enters the Women’s World Championships as a proud and growing programme that has always fostered the sport’s commitment to inclusion and development. 

While Norway is yet to feature in the Women’s World Challenge, athletes on the team have certainly played in the event on Team Europe or Team World previously. With a roster combining promising newcomers and seasoned athletes, Norway is ready to make its mark on the global stage in Slovakia. 

Roster Breakdown

Forwards: Alexandra Bendiksen Larsen, Celine Nangne Sapklin Halvorsrud, Amalie Ysteboe, Solvei Skjold, Karen Reite
Defenders: Maren Rekve Norheim, Sara Emilie Fiskerud, Lena Schroeder
Goalkeepers: Kristina Marie Forsberg Iversen, Stine Fydenlund
Head Coach: Magnus Boegle

Imagen

Athlete to Watch

Lena Schroeder is a trailblazer in the world of Para ice hockey and a standout player for Team Norway. As the only woman to compete in the Paralympic Winter Games in the sport (PyeongChang 2018) outside Brit Mjaasund Oeyen in 1994, Schroeder brings unparalleled experience, skill, and determination to the ice. Her speed, tactical awareness, and ability to control the pace of the game make her a vital asset to Norway’s offense. Beyond her on-ice talent, she has worked as a doctor at an Oslo hospital and has been an inspiration to athletes around the world, symbolising progress and inclusion in Para sports.

Matchup to Watch

Norway’s group-stage game against Australia promises to be a highlight of the round-robin phase. Both teams are debuting at the international level, making this a pivotal encounter in terms of momentum and group standings. With Norway’s structured, disciplined style going up against Australia’s energetic and dynamic approach, this clash could provide a thrilling showcase of the evolving global landscape in women’s Para ice hockey.

Round-Robin Game Schedule

Wednesday, 27 August — 16:00 vs. Australia
Thursday, 28 August — 16:00 vs. USA