USA's Kelsey DiClaudio nets first-ever goal of Women's World Championships

Team USA’s Kelsey DiClaudio made history just 13 seconds into the game, scoring the first-ever goal of the inaugural World Para Ice Hockey Women’s World Championships on Tuesday (26 August) in Dolny Kubin, Slovakia.

The United States defeated Australia 8-0 in the opening game of the tournament at the Dolny Kubin Winter Stadium, with seven different players contributing to the scoresheet. 

“[It feels] incredible. We wanted to set the tone right away, get the goal in and keep going from there,” DiClaudio said. “The next goal is to win each game, get to that final and get that gold medal. And ultimately, the end goal is to get to the Paralympics. That’s my dream.”

DiClaudio doubled the lead with at the 4:48 mark with Lera Doederlein, Jamie Benassi, Ailin Zheng, and Maddy Eberhard adding to the tally to close the first period at 6-0.

Rachel Steffen extended the U.S. lead in the second period, while Monica Quimby sealed the 8-0 victory with just over nine minutes remaining.

“I would say our secret is just having fun, our ladies love to come out and play this game and to have the opportunity every time to come together, play with their friends. It’s really a family for all of us,” said USA Head Coach Rose Misiewicz. “It’s an honour to be here and be part of the 2025 Women’s World Championships and have the privilege to play in the first ever game.”  

Australia’s goaltender Erika Gosney, who made 23 saves in the game, echoed the sentiment. 

“I feel privileged. The U.S. was very respectful, and it helped me recover after a difficult first period. I had a lot of fun,” Gosney said. “We want to keep improving and learning, we look forward to playing Norway tomorrow [Wednesday].”

Already one of the best saves of the tournament! Erika Gosney named Australian Player of the Match and making her teammates proud 🙌#ParaIceHockey #DolnyKubin2025 pic.twitter.com/b3sTFBGLGq

— Para Ice Hockey (@paraicehockey) August 26, 2025

Head Coach Dawn Watt added:

“I’m really pleased with the outcome. I think the Americans played with such absolute grace and sportsmanship. It was an excellent first experience for my team, who have just started playing Para ice hockey.”

Canada starts strong

In the final game of day one, Canada beat Team World 10-0 in Group B in front of the enthusiastic Dolny Kubin crowd. Alyssa White and Raphaelle Tousignant both scored hat-tricks, with Tousignant finding the net twice in the first minute of the game.

Canada added six more goals in the second period with Emilie Charron-Pilotte, White (twice), Claire Buchanan, Alanna Mah and Tousignant again. White and Peggy Assinck closed the score in the third period. 

“Getting that first game under your belt is what you look forward to, to get that checkmark. It feels like we’re in the right path, just to continue building throughout the week,” Buchanan said.

Head Coach Tara Chisholm was pleased with the opportunity for Canada to play in the opening day of the tournament.

“For us it’s always exciting for these women to grow together every game, and so even though we were playing a newer team, a team that don’t play together as Team World, it’s still about what we’re doing as a team. We had some women that don’t typically score, work on some systems that we don’t always work in other games, so it was a great opportunity for us to play different styles of team play.”

A fantastic start from Canada, scoring 10 goals against Team World, including a hat-trick by Raphaëlle Tousignant 👏🇨🇦#ParaIceHockey #DolnyKubin2025 pic.twitter.com/6gTNNnGuOk

— Para Ice Hockey (@paraicehockey) August 26, 2025

On Team World’s side, Swedish player Caroline Persson was proud of the performance of the team composed of athletes from nine different countries - including Slovak players Ema Simakova and Michaela Hozakova.

“It was really fun to play with this team and I think we did amazing,” she said. “We look forward to the next game and to playing together again.”

Meranda Reast picked 22 saves, and Anne Buisson added seven for Team World.

Day two of the Women’s World Championships on Wednesday (27 August) will feature Norway facing Australia at 16:00 in Group A, followed by Great Britain vs Team World in Group B at 19:30 (local time).

All games are being streamed live on the Paralympic YouTube channel and World Para Ice Hockey Facebook page. 

Complete schedule and stats can be found here.