If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.
Canada begins its quest for the gold medal on Saturday, as they prepare to take on Switzerland on the opening day of the 2026 IIHF Women’s World Championship.
- Watch women’s hockey on ESPN+
Canada comes into this year’s tournament having avenged a disappointing 2024 event by winning gold in Finland last year. The red and white have won eight gold medals in the event’s history, making it to the gold medal game 15 times.
It’s going to be a much different-looking Canadian roster this time around. Gone is the U-18 legend Chloe Primerano, as are Sara Manness and Stryker Zablocki, with the latter leading the tournament with 12 points last season. Back for more is Caileigh Tiller who is the returning scorer from last year, scoring 10 points, along with the game-winner in the gold medal game. The Connecticut commit is having a great start with the OWHL’s Burlington Barracudas, having potted 35 points in 18 games. Her twin sister, Chelsea, joins a revamped blue line headlined by returners Anais Leprohon and Kate Viel.
Switzerland has never medaled in the tournament, but looks to try and show some pride against the mighty Canadians on Saturday.
The Swiss enter this year’s U-18s not a year removed from the best finish in the country’s history, a fifth-place result after being knocked out by Sweden in the quarterfinals. While they’re in a tough group again, Switzerland hopes it can grab a win or two in Canada. One player capable of creating havoc is Norina Müller. The HC Fribourg-Gottéron star is entering her third U-18s, and is having a great season in the SWHL A, the top women’s league in Switzerland. In 24 games, the 17-year-old has 28 points, good for 10th in the league.
IIHF UNDER-18 WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPGroup A
Switzerland vs. Canada
When: Saturday, January 10
Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
Where: Sport and Wellness Centre (Cape Breton, Nova Scotia)
Stream: ESPN+