A spot in the gold medal game is on the line Friday as Canada’s Paralympic Hockey Team takes on China in the semifinals at the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.

Last Game

Special teams was the difference-maker in Canada’s 4-1 win over Czechia on Tuesday that completed a perfect preliminary round. James Dunn, Vincent Boily and Tyler McGregor (who also had two assists) each scored goals on the power play, with Liam Hickey adding an empty-net goal.

China dropped its first game of the tournament on Tuesday, closing the prelims with a 7-1 loss to the United States. Zhanfu Zhu scored the sole goal 4:28 into the third period, while Yanzhao Ji and Wei Wang split time in the crease to make 24 saves.

Last Meeting

This is the first meeting between Canada and China on the Paralympic stage, but the teams last faced off last spring at the World Para Hockey Championship, with the Canadians earning a 4-2 win over the Chinese in Buffalo. Dominic Cozzolino opened the scoring in the first period and added another in the third. Adam Dixon and Mathieu Lelièvre rounded out the scoring and Corbin Watson made 13 saves.

What to Watch

Cozzolino made history on Tuesday with his assist on McGregor’s power-play goal—he became the sixth player in National Para Hockey Team history to reach 200 career points. And he might have a little company soon; Hickey has eight points in three games in Milan to leave him just six points shy of 200. A few other Canadians are at or near the top of various offensive categories after the prelims: McGregor is tied for second in scoring with 10 points (4-6—10), Dunn is tied for the lead in shots on goal with 22 and is tied (along with Auren Halbert) for third in goals with five, Halbert is third in scoring among defencemen with eight points (5-3—8), and be sure to pay attention at the faceoff dot—Anton Jacobs-Webb is second with a 71.05% win rate.

As he does at most major events, Yifeng Shen leads the Chinese in scoring with 10 points (1-9—10) in three games, leading all players in assists and sitting tied for second in tournament scoring. Jintao Tian (6-3—9) and Zhidong Wang (5-4—9) are right behind Shen with nine points each, and Tian’s six goals are good for second most. China had the best scoring efficiency in the prelims, scoring 24 goals on 60 shots—a 28.57 shooting percentage—and it has the best power play in Milan, converting on four of seven man-advantages. However, the Chinese were also whistled for a tournament-high 14 minor penalties in the preliminary round, which could provide an advantage to Canada and its special teams.

A Look Back

Nothing to look back on since it’s the first meeting at the Paralympic Winter Games for these teams.

Less than 24 hours after finishing off a win over Japan, Canada’s Paralympic Hockey Team is right back on the ice at Milano Santagiulia Arena to take on Czechia in its prelim finale at the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, with first place in Group B on the line.

Last Game

Canada made it two wins from as many games with a convincing 14-0 victory over Japan on Monday. Auren Halbert led the charge from the back end with four goals and three assists, Dominic Cozzolino had a hat trick and a helper and Tyler McGregor chipped in with two goals and three assists. The Canadians surpassed 50 shots for the second time in two games, outshooting the Japanese 56-2.

The Czechs got their second win in as many games earlier Monday, downing Slovakia 8-1. Filip Vesely, Martin Zizlavsky and Radek Zelinka each scored twice for Czechia, with Vesely adding a pair of assists for a four-point effort.

Last Meeting

The last time Canada and Czechia met at the Paralympics was in the preliminary round at the 2014 Games in Sochi, in what ended up as a tighter-than-expected 1-0 Canadian win. Greg Westlake counted the lone goal midway through the second period and Corbin Watson made it stand up with a seven-save shutout.

The most recent clash between the teams came just a few months ago, in the semifinals of the 2025 Para Cup in Dawson Creek, B.C. Dominic Cozzolino was the standout in that one, scoring two goals and setting up three more to lead Canada to a 7-0 victory and a spot in the gold medal game. Watson was a little busier in that one, making 12 saves for the shutout.

What to Watch

Halbert is the surprise scoring leader for the Canadians through two games with eight points (5-3—8), good for a tie for third in tournament scoring and leaving him even with U.S. blue-liners Jack Wallace (3-5—8) and Noah Grove (1-7—8) for most among defencemen. How unexpected is the offensive outburst from the Calgary product? Halbert had eight points in his first 12 games this season and hadn’t recorded more than six at any single event across his entire Team Canada career, dating back to 2019. A trio of Canadians are on the verge of major milestones—Greg Westlake needs one assist to become just the second player to record 200 international assists with Canada’s National Para Hockey Team, Cozzolino needs only one point to become the sixth to reach 200 points and Liam Hickey needs eight to become the seventh to reach that plateau.

The Czechs have apread around the scoring in their first two games in Milan, with six players scoring goals and 10 of 14 skaters recording points. Zizlavsky and Vesely are proven point producers up front; they were the top two Czech scorers at the 2025 World Para Hockey Championship with eight and seven points, respectively, and Vesely had a team-high four goals and co-led with six points at the 2024 world championship in Calgary. Zelinka continues to be a catalyst on defence; after finishing second among defenceman with four goals and tying for third with five points at last year’s world championship in Buffalo, he already has five points (3-2—5) in two games in Milan, good for fifth among blue-liners, three back of the tournament leaders.

A Look Back

It’s a quick look… The 2014 meeting mentioned above is the only time Canada and Czechia have faced off at the Paralympics.

Overall, this is the 26th time the Canadians and Czechs have met in international para hockey, with Canada winning each of the first 25 games and outscoring Czechia 103-12.

All-time record: Canada leads 1-0
Canada goals: 1
Czechia goals: 0

Canada’s Paralympic Hockey Team looks to build upon its opening-game win when it faces Japan in Group B play Monday at the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.

Last Game

It was a strong start for Canada on Saturday, shutting out Slovakia 8-0. James Dunn and Vincent Boily led the offence with two goals and an assist apiece, and Liam Hickey scored a goal and added two helpers. Tyler McGregor had a goal and an assist in his 200th game wearing the Maple Leaf, while Auren Halbert and Dominic Cozzolino rounded out the scoring for the Canadians, who outshot Slovakia 51-2.

Japan opened its tournament with a 3-2 loss to Czechia on Saturday. Kazuyoshi Niitsu started the scoring for the Japanese just past the six-minute mark of the first period and Itsuki Ito tied it 2-2 early in the middle frame. Wataru Horie was terrific between the pipes, making 27 saves.

Last Meeting

We have to go all the way back to Vancouver for when Canada and Japan last met on the Paralympic stage. The two teams tangoed in the semifinals, where the Canadians fell 3-1 to the Japanese. Marc Doiron opened the scoring on a first-period power play and Paul Rosen made eight saves, but two goals in the final three minutes were the difference for the Japanese.

More recently, Canada opened the 2024 World Para Hockey Championship by earning a 19-0 win over Japan. Dominic Cozzolino finished with four goals and eight points, Tyler McGregor and Liam Hickey added a hat trick and four assists each, and Tyrone Henry had five helpers.

What to Watch

Boily and Halbert made an impact in their Paralympic debuts on Saturday; Boily had a goal and an assist in the decisive first period, while Halbert also found the back of the net in the opening frame. Boily has found chemistry with Dunn and Cozzolino on Canada’s second line; he is up to 11 points (4-6—10) in 13 games this season, and his three-point effort against the Slovaks is a season-high. Halbert has become a key piece of the blue line for the Canadians. Paired with stay-at-home specialist Shawn Burnett, the Calgary product scored for the second time in three games in Italy (including pre-tournament play) and is up to nine points (4-5—9) for the season. Back up front, Anton Jacobs-Webb will make a little history against Japan, becoming the 19th player to reach the 100-game milestone with Team Canada.

Japan missed out on the 2022 Paralympic Games, but has itself back on the biggest stage in sport after winning the Paralympic qualification tournament in Norway in November. Ito is the star for the Japanese—the 20-year-old recorded 26 points (15-11—26) in five games at the World Para Hockey Championship (B Pool) last year and was named Best Forward at the Paralympic qualification tournament after recording 10 points (6-4—10) in five games. The Japanese roster also has the fourth woman to ever compete in para hockey at the Paralympics, Akari Fukunishi. The defender played for Team World at the first women’s world championship in Slovakia last year, recording five points in three games.

A Look Back

This is the fourth meeting between the Canada and Japan at the Paralympic Winter Games.

The first and only Canadian victory came in the first meeting in 1998, a 3-0 shutout win during the preliminary round in Nagano.

All-time record: Japan leads 2-1
Canada goals: 5
Japan goals: 5

Canada’s Paralympic Hockey Team finally gets into game action Saturday in Milan, with a first-time-ever matchup against Slovakia kicking off preliminary-round play at Milano Santagiulia Arena.

Last Game

Canada closed out its brief, two-game pre-tournament schedule with a 4-0 win over host Italy last Friday in Varese. Dominic Cozzolino and James Dunn provided a goal and an assist for the Canadians, Adam Dixon and Tyler McGregor also found the scoresheet and Corbin Watson needed to make just seven saves for the shutout.

The Slovaks participated in a pre-Paralympic tournament in Italy in late January, finishing third of four teams after a 6-1 win over Japan in the bronze medal game. They dropped a nail-biter in the semifinals, getting within a goal in the final minutes of a 3-2 loss to the host Italians.

Last Meeting

There wasn’t one. Despite competing at the World Para Hockey Championship together in 2021, 2024 and 2025, and at the 2022 Paralympic Winter Games, this is the first time Canada and Slovakia will face off.

What to Watch

For the Canadians, their gold medal chances begin and end with their heart-and-soul captain, Tyler McGregor. The Forest, Ontario, product will serve as flag bearer alongside para nordic skier Natalie Wilkie during the Opening Ceremony on Friday, and then will make a little history on Saturday—the Paralympic opener will be the 200th game of McGregor’s international career, making him just the fifth player in Team Canada history to reach the milestone (joining Adam Dixon, Billy Bridges, Greg Westlake and Brad Bowden). He has been terrific on the ice this season, leading Canada with 22 points (15-7—22) in 12 games, and recording at least a point in all 10 games in which the Canadians have scored. McGregor has also been very good at the Paralympics—he had 13 points (8-5—13) in five games at PyeongChang 2018 and followed that up with eight points (5-3—8) in four games at Beijing 2022.

Martin Joppa is the offensive catalyst for the Slovaks. He earned Most Valuable Player honours at the Paralympic qualification tournament last November in Norway, posting a tournament-best 14 points (7-7—14) in five games. He was at his best in the biggest games, recording a pair of assists in a 2-1 win over Sweden, opening and closing the scoring in a 3-1 win over the host Norwegians and netting the game-winning goal in a 2-1 win over South Korea that clinched a place in Milan for the Slovaks. How vital has Joppa been to his country’s success? In the four top-level tournaments Slovakia has participated in (three world championships and a Paralympics), it has scored 21 goals—and Joppa has been in on 16 of them (11 goals, five assists).

A Look Back

As mentioned above, there’s nothing to look back on.

Hockey Canada is committed to being a leader in para hockey, doing its part to grow the game across the country and around the world. As the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games get underway this weekend in Italy, Canada’s Paralympic Hockey Team will go in search of a second gold medal on the biggest stage in para sport.

But with financial support from the Hockey Canada Foundation (HCF), there is a continued focus on the women’s game, an evolving piece of the para hockey puzzle.

Currently, women’s para hockey—which is operated in Canada by Women’s Para Hockey of Canada (WPHC)—is not part of the programme at the Paralympic Winter Games, but Hockey Canada is working closely with World Para Ice Hockey and the International Paralympic Committee to advocate for its inclusion as early as the 2030 Games in the French Alps.

While that advocacy continues, the HCF has been a driving force behind the development of the women’s game, and that support has not gone unnoticed.

Even though we are not officially under Hockey Canada, the Hockey Canada Foundation has supported us in meaningful ways. Over the past few years, we have built a positive and collaborative relationship, and its involvement with Women’s Para Hockey of Canada continues to grow each season.

Because of existing policies and the fact that women’s para hockey is not yet part of the Paralympic Games, it is not currently possible for us to be fully integrated under Hockey Canada or to access the same level of resources, funding and opportunities as our male counterparts. That is why this partnership matters so much—it helps bridge the gap and shows a genuine commitment to the growth and future of women’s para hockey in Canada.

-- Raphaëlle Tousignant (Alternate Captain, Canada’s National Women’s Para Hockey Team)

The Hockey Canada Foundation’s belief in women’s para hockey has meant so much to our athletes and staff. Its support is not only helping our team prepare for international competition, but also inspiring the next generation of girls to see that they belong in this game.

-- Tara Chisholm (Head Coach, Canada’s National Women’s Para Hockey Team)

For the 2025-26 season, the HCF awarded WPHC a $150,000 grant to assist with everything from grassroots programming to preparations for the first-ever World Women’s Para Hockey Championship, which took place last summer in Slovakia (Canada finished with silver, falling to the United States in the gold medal game).

HCF funding has also allowed Canada and the U.S. to face off in a pair of border series—in 2024 in Minot, North Dakota, and 2025 in St. Catharines, Ontario.

With the support of the Hockey Canada Foundation, we were able to travel to represent Canada at the inaugural women’s world championship this past summer in Slovakia. By supporting our team and helping us get there, we were able to make the largest step in our journey to becoming a Paralympic sport. 

Being able to compete in our most important competition to date has meant the world to me and my teammates; representing the country is something we never take for granted. It means a lot to be backed by the Hockey Canada Foundation, so we are able to continue to show up and show the world what we can do as a country, and what we can do as women in our sport.

-- Alannah Mah (Alternate Captain, Canada’s National Women’s Para Hockey Team)

And while the Paralympic push is a key piece of the puzzle moving forward, the connection to the grassroots of the game is an important one.

Much like their able-bodied counterparts with Canada’s National Women’s Team, the members of Canada’s National Women’s Para Hockey Team see a simple formula for the continued growth of women’s para hockey—if they can see it, they can be it.

We have seen a significant surge in the number of women and girls picking up a sled across Canada. This growth is directly linked to Hockey Canada Foundation funding, which supports developments camps and builds a visible high-performance program. For the first time, there is a clear, tangible pathway: a young girl starting at the grassroots level can now see a direct line to the world championship. Knowing that a future in this sport is possible and supported is a powerful motivator that is changing the landscape of para hockey.

-- Peggy Assinck (Athlete Representative, Women’s Para Hockey of Canada)

And so, the journey continues—for the Hockey Canada Foundation and Women’s Para Hockey of Canada.

To a stronger sport.

To a new generation of Team Canada role models.

And, one day, to the first-ever women’s para hockey tournament at the Paralympic Winter Games.

The fact that a respected and influential federation like Hockey Canada—and the Hockey Canada Foundation—is more willing than ever to step in and contribute reflects significant progress compared to past years. Their support sends a clear message that they now value women’s para hockey and are committed to achieve equity in the sport. This message continues to help build momentum towards the potential inclusion of women’s para hockey at the Paralympic Winter Games, because I believe that other major federations and countries will look to our example and take similar steps to support and grow women’s para hockey in their own programs.

-- Raphaëlle Tousignant

This partnership has helped women’s para hockey grow from a developing program into a rising force in Canadian sport. With the Hockey Canada Foundation beside us, we’re building something sustainable and moving closer to the day when women’s para hockey has a place on the Paralympic stage.

-- Tara Chisholm

CALGARY, Alberta. – Hockey Canada and the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) have announced the 17-player roster nominated to represent the Canadian Paralympic Team in Para ice hockey at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.

Canada’s roster includes two goaltenders, five defencemen and 10 forwards:

• Goaltenders: Adam Kingsmill (Smithers, BC) and Corbin Watson (Kingsville, ON)
• Defencemen: Rob Armstrong (Erin, ON), Shawn Burnett (McMasterville, QC), Auren Halbert (Calgary, AB) Tyrone Henry (Ottawa, ON) and Mathieu Lelièvre (Lévis, QC)
• Forwards: Vincent Boily (Alma, QC), Dominic Cozzolino (Mississauga, ON), Adam Dixon (Midland, ON), James Dunn (Wallacetown, ON), Liam Hickey (St. John’s, NL), Anton Jacobs-Webb (Gatineau, QC), Micah Kovacevich (Edmonton, AB), Zach Lavin (Essex, ON), Tyler McGregor (Forest, ON) and Greg Westlake (Oakville, ON)

Five players—Boily, Burnett, Halbert, Kovacevich and Lelièvre—will make their Paralympic debuts.

The 17 players nominated for the Games were selected by head coach Boris Rybalka (Camrose, AB), assistant coach Steve Arsenault (Spruce Grove, AB), goaltending coach Dominic Larocque (Québec, QC), and skills and video coach Dean Seymour (Calgary, AB). Adam Janssen (Richmond Hill, ON), manager of hockey operations, Jesse Albers (Victoria, BC), vice-president, operations, Benoit Roy (Sudbury, ON), director of hockey operations, and Scott Salmond (Creston, BC) , senior vice-president of high performance and hockey operations, also provided input.

“We are incredibly proud to announce the athletes who will represent Canada in Para hockey at the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games,” said Janssen . “This roster reflects years of dedication, resilience and commitment to excellence. The group has shown tremendous growth and belief in one another, and we are excited about the opportunity ahead. Our goal is clear—to compete with pride, represent our country with distinction and give ourselves the best possible chance to bring home a gold medal for Canada.”

Canada is returning 10 members of the 2022 Paralympic squad that won silver: Armstrong, Dixon, Dunn, Henry, Hickey, Jacobs-Webb, Kingsmill, Lavin, McGregor and Westlake.

Dixon and Westlake are the most experienced members of the team, with Westlake set for his sixth Paralympic Winter Games appearance and Dixon readying for his fifth. Right behind them is McGregor, heading for his fourth, with Armstrong, Henry and Watson playing in their third Games. Hickey will also be at his fourth Games, but third as a Para hockey player after competing in the 2016 Games in wheelchair basketball.

“Being named to the Paralympic roster is an incredible honour and means everything to me,” added McGregor, also one of five co-captains of the Milano Cortina 2026 Canadian Paralympic Team. “Every athlete on this team has put in the work and made sacrifices to get to this moment. We believe in each other, we believe in our preparation, and we’re motivated by the opportunity to compete for Canada on the world’s biggest stage. Our focus is on coming together as a team, playing our game and doing everything we can to bring home a gold medal.”

“Coming out of retirement wasn’t a decision I took lightly, but the opportunity to chase a gold medal with this group was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up,” said Westlake. “I still have the same passion for the game and the same pride in wearing the Maple Leaf. This team has something special, and I’m excited to bring my experience, leadership and compete level back to the ice as we pursue our ultimate goal together.”

Canada will be looking to return to the top step of the Paralympic podium for the first time since 2006. It has also claimed bronze in 2014 and silver in 2018 and 2022.

“This roster is the result of a thorough and competitive selection process, and every athlete has earned their place,” said Rybalka. “We have a group that blends experience, skill and hunger, and they understand what it takes to compete at the highest level. Our focus now is on preparation, accountability, and playing with purpose. If we stay true to our identity and trust the process, we believe this team has what it takes to compete for a gold medal in 2026.”

Canada will play in Group B alongside Czechia, Japan and Slovakia. The top team in each group from the preliminary round will automatically move into the semifinals, with the second- and third-place teams playing in the quarterfinals. Canada’s prelim schedule is as follows:

March 7 – Canada vs. Slovakia (2:35 p.m. ET / 11:35 a.m. PT)
March 9 – Canada vs. Japan (2:35 p.m. ET / 11:35 a.m. PT)
March 10 – Canada vs. Czechia (11:05 a.m. ET / 8:05 a.m. PT)

The semifinals will be played March 13, with the medal games on March 15.

"Congratulations to all 17 Para ice hockey players nominated to the team," said Mac Marcoux, honorary captain, Milano Cortina 2026 Canadian Paralympic Team. "This is such an exciting, dedicated group of athletes - and I know how much hard work they have put in over the past four years to be at their best on the Paralympic stage. This team is in good hands with so many experienced and accomplished leaders, and I'm stoked to watch the newcomers make their Games debuts as well. Let's go Canada!"

The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games will take place March 6-15, 2026, and feature athletes competing in six sports – Para alpine skiing, Para ice hockey, Para Nordic skiing (Para biathlon and Para cross-country skiing), Para snowboard, and wheelchair curling. Canada is expecting to send a team of approximately 50 athletes.

CLICK HERE to see the complete list of athletes currently nominated to the Canadian Paralympic Team.

Prior to being officially named to the Canadian Paralympic Team, all nominations are subject to approval by the Canadian Paralympic Committee. The approved final roster will be announced closer to the start of the Games.

For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s Paralympic Hockey Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook , X and Instagram .

CALGARY, Alberta – With less than 100 days until the start of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games, Hockey Canada has unveiled the two jerseys that Canada’s women’s, men’s and para hockey teams will wear in Milan, Italy.

The Team Canada Olympic and Paralympic hockey jersey, which include traditional red and white versions that were designed by Nike, was unveiled Thursday night during the TSN and RDS broadcast of the Rivalry Series game between Canada’s National Women’s Team and the United States in Cleveland, Ohio.

“With the Olympics and Paralympics rapidly approaching, and as fans eagerly await the start of the women’s, men’s and para hockey tournaments in Milan, we are excited to unveil the jerseys our athletes will wear as they represent all Canadians across the country and around the world on the biggest stage,” said Katherine Henderson (Thunder Bay, ON), president and chief executive officer of Hockey Canada. “These Olympic and Paralympic jerseys perfectly reflect Canadian hockey and the passion Canadian fans bring when cheering on our athletes, and we look forward to seeing our teams and fans alike wear them with pride as we look to capture gold medals in Italy.”  

The jersey’s iconic Maple Leaf crest combines sublimated satin twill and silicon to create the look of an unbreakable diamond, reflecting the ability of Canadian hockey legends of the past and present to withstand incredible pressure. It also represents the commitment to excellence that all Canadians expect, unifying players and fans by honouring the legacy of the Maple Leaf and hockey’s importance throughout the country. The red jersey features a bold, multi-shade black Maple Leaf with two black stripes on the arms and across the bottom, and perforated white numbers on the back that allow the base colour of the jersey to be accented. The white jersey features a similar look, with a multi-tone red crest, two red stripes that differ in colour to match the crest and red perforated numbers on the back that give the jersey a clean and classic Canadian look.

Before Canada’s women’s, men’s and para hockey teams begin their quest for gold medals in Italy, fans can purchase their own Bauer replica jersey for as low as $149.99 (plus taxes) at shop.hockeycanada.ca starting Nov. 7 at 10 a.m. ET/7 a.m. PT. All other retailers will have product available for sale starting Nov. 14. As part of a commitment from Hockey Canada and the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) to grow sport in Canada, a portion of the proceeds from all jersey sales will be reinvested into winter sports in the country.

“More than just uniforms, these jerseys reflect the pride, passion and history of Canada’s Olympic hockey legacy,” said David Shoemaker, chief executive officer and secretary general of the Canadian Olympic Committee. “These Games are an exciting time for hockey, marking not only the return of the NHL players, but the first Olympic Winter Games since the establishment of the PWHL. It’s truly a moment for the history books, and I for one can’t wait to cheer on the men’s and women’s teams at Milano Cortina 2026.”

For more information on Hockey Canada, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada has announced the coaching and support staffs that will lead Canada’s Paralympic Hockey Team through the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, March 5-16, 2026 in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.

Boris Rybalka (Camrose, AB), who was named head coach Aug. 8, will be joined by assistant coach Steve Arsenault (Spruce Grove, AB), goaltending coach Dominic Larocque (Québec, QC), and video and skills coach Dean Seymour (Calgary, AB).

Additionally, Greg Westlake (Oakville, ON), who has spent the last two seasons as an assistant coach with Canada's National Para Hockey Team, has ended his retirement and will return to the ice this season with his sights set on a sixth appearance at the Paralympic Winter Games in 2026.

The coaching staff was selected by Jesse Albers (Victoria, BC), vice-president of operations, and Adam Janssen (Richmond, ON), manager of hockey operations, with input from Scott Salmond (Creston, BC), senior vice-president of high performance and hockey operations, Misha Donskov (London, ON), vice-president of hockey operations and men’s national teams coach, and Benoit Roy (Sudbury, ON), director of hockey operations.

“We are proud to have Boris, Steve, Dominic and Dean lead our Paralympic Hockey Team on the journey to Italy,” said Janssen. “This coaching staff brings an exceptional blend of experience, leadership and deep commitment to para-athlete development, and their passion and vision for the game align perfectly with our program’s pursuit of excellence both on and off the ice. We are confident they will guide our athletes with integrity, purpose and pride as we set our sights on the Paralympic podium.”

Rybalka spent the last two seasons as assistant coach with Canada’s National Para Hockey Team, helping the team to a gold medal at the World Para Hockey Championship in 2024 and silver in 2025. He won two gold medals (2006, 2007) and one silver (2008) as head coach of Canada West at the Junior A World Challenge. The Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) Coach of the Year in 2003-04, Rybalka led the Camrose Kodiaks to five AJHL championships (2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2008) and won the Royal Bank Cup as national Junior A champions in 2001, and is the all-time leader in wins by a coach in Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) history (683).

Arsenault returns for his fifth season after joining the coaching staff as video coach in 2020. He helped Canada’s National Para Hockey Team capture its first gold medal since 2017 at the 2024 World Para Hockey Championship in Calgary and a silver medal in 2025. Prior to joining Team Canada, Arsenault had an impressive run as the head coach of Team Alberta, winning four-consecutive national para hockey championships (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019). As a player, Arsenault appeared in two Paralympic Winter Games, winning a silver medal at PyeongChang 2018 and a bronze medal at Sochi 2014. He also won a pair of world championship gold medals (2013, 2017), as well as a bronze medal (2015).

Larocque will be making his coaching debut in the 2025-26 season. He was first named to Canada’s National Para Hockey Team in 2010 as a forward, appearing in 65 games and winning Paralympic bronze in 2014 and Para Worlds gold in 2013. Following the 2014 Games, he transitioned to goaltender, backstopping Canada to Para Worlds gold (2017) and a pair of Paralympic silver medals (2018, 2022). Larocque ranks third in all-time games played by a goaltender with Team Canada (69), fashioning a 38-18-1 record with 20 shutouts. A veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, Larocque was inducted into the CAF Sports Hall of Fame in 2019.

Seymour will be making his para hockey coaching debut in the 2025-26 season. Named manager of hockey development and next generation at Hockey Canada in 2022, he has worked in skill development with men’s and women’s national teams. Seymour has worked as a development consultant with the NHL’s Calgary Flames (NHL) since 2018, working alongside members of the Flames and AHL’s Calgary Wranglers, and has been a guest coach at the last four Flames development camps. Additionally, he served as head coach of Team Scotiabank in the Professional Women’s Hockey Players’ Association (PWHPA) Dream Gap Tour for three seasons (2020-23).

Hockey Canada has also announced the support staff that will work with Canada’s Paralympic Hockey Team:

• Equipment managers Grant Boswall (Cornwall, PE) and AJ. Murley (St. John’s, NL)
• Physiotherapist Michael Lenart (Keswick, ON)
• Physical performance lead Bryan Yu (Edmonton, AB)
• Team physician Danielle Kelton (Guelph, ON)
• Mental preparation Liam Heelis (Georgetown, ON/Acadia University, AUS)
• Hockey operations coordinator Jake Grison (Lion’s Head, ON)
• Media relations coordinator Branden Crowe (Virden, MB)

Prior to being named to Team Canada, all nominations are subject to approval by the Canadian Paralympic Committee’s Team Selection Committee following its receipt of nominations by all National Sport Organizations.

In preparation for the upcoming season, 21 para hockey athletes will attend the National Teams Orientation Camp, set for Aug. 26-28 in Calgary. The camp is a three-day, off-ice event with players and staff from the men’s, women’s and para hockey programs, which will include presentations, team-building opportunities, team meetings and media opportunities.

Following the orientation camp, the team will take part in three days of practices Aug. 31–Sept. 2 at the WinSport Event Centre at Canada’s Olympic Park in preparation for the 2025 International Para Hockey Cup Oct. 20-26 in Ostrava, Czechia.

For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Para Hockey Program please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow through social media on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

CALGARY, Alberta – As part of the road to Italy, Hockey Canada has invited 92 players from its men’s, women’s and para hockey teams to attend its National Teams Orientation Camp, set for Aug. 26-28 in Calgary. 

The National Teams Orientation Camp is a three-day, off-ice event with players and staff from all three programs, which will include presentations, team-building opportunities, team meetings and media opportunities in preparation for the upcoming season.

“We are excited to unveil the 92 athletes who will kick off the road to Italy, and to bring our men’s, women’s and para hockey teams together for three days as the first step towards our goal of winning triple gold in February,” said Scott Salmond (Creston, BC), Hockey Canada’s senior vice-president of high performance and hockey operations. “While the next several months will bring intense evaluation and difficult roster decisions, we look forward to kicking off the season in Calgary and giving our athletes and staff a chance to come together and start to become one team as we set our sights on February.”

“This season will be an exciting time for Hockey Canada and for the sport as a whole, and we are excited to continue our preparation by welcoming 92 men’s, women’s and para hockey athletes to Calgary this summer,” said Katherine Henderson (Thunder Bay, ON), Hockey Canada’s president and chief executive officer, who provides support to all three programs. “We certainly do not take for granted the opportunity and privilege we have to unite Canadians through our National Winter Sport, and we are confident that our national team athletes, coaches and staff will represent our country with tremendous pride on and off the ice as they deliver on our commitment to performance excellence.”

On the men’s side, 42 National Hockey League (NHL) players – including three goaltenders, 13 defencemen and 26 forwards – were selected by general manager Doug Armstrong (Sarnia, ON/St. Louis, NHL), assistant general managers Julien BriseBois (Greenfield Park, QC/Tampa Bay, NHL), Jim Nill (Hanna, AB/Dallas, NHL) and Don Sweeney (St. Stephen, NB/Boston, NHL), director of player personnel Kyle Dubas (Sault Ste. Marie, ON/Pittsburgh, NHL) and head coach Jon Cooper (Prince George, BC/Tampa Bay, NHL), with input from player relations advisor Ryan Getzlaf (Regina, SK) and Salmond.

The list includes three players who have won Olympic gold medals (Crosby, Doughty, Tavares), 12 who have won gold at the IIHF World Championship (Crosby, Ekblad, Hagel, Hill, MacKinnon, Marchand, McDavid, Montembeault, Reinhart, Scheifele, Stone, Weegar) and 13 who have won gold at the IIHF World Junior Championship (Bedard, Byfield, Crosby, Doughty, Makar, Marchand, McDavid, Morrissey, Point, Reinhart, Tavares, Theodore, Thomas). It also includes 19 Stanley Cup champions (Bennett, Binnington, Cirelli, Crosby, Doughty, Ekblad, Hill, MacKinnon, Makar, Marchand, Parayko, Point, Reinhart, Stone, Theodore, Thomas, Toews, Verhaeghe, Wilson), as well as all 24 players who were members of Canada’s 4 Nations Face-Off championship-winning team.

On the women’s side, 30 players – four goaltenders, 10 defence and 16 forwards – will be a part of Canada’s National Women’s Team throughout the 2025-26 season, with players participating in training blocks and attending events during the year. The players were selected by general manager Gina Kingsbury (Rouyn-Noranda, QC/Toronto, PWHL), head coach Troy Ryan (Spryfield, NS/Toronto, PWHL) and Cherie Piper (Scarborough, ON), senior manager of player development and scouting. Assistant coaches Kori Cheverie (New Glasgow, NS/Montréal, PWHL), Caroline Ouellette (Montréal, QC/Concordia University, RSEQ) and Britni Smith (Port Perry, ON/Syracuse University, AHA), along with goaltending consultant Brad Kirkwood (Calgary, AB/Toronto, PWHL), also provided input.

Included on the roster are 17 players who helped Canada win its fifth Olympic gold medal at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing (Ambrose, Clark, Desbiens, Fast, Fillier, Jenner, Larocque, Maltais, Maschmeyer, Nurse, Poulin, Shelton, Stacey, Spooner, Thompson, Turnbull, Zandee-Hart). It also includes 24 players who helped Canada win a silver medal at the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship (Ambrose, Clark, Desbiens, Gardiner, Gascon, J. Gosling, Fast, Fillier, Jacques, Jenner, Larocque, Maltais, Nurse, O’Neill, Poulin, Primerano, Serdachny, Shelton, Spooner, Stacey, Thompson, Turnbull, Watts, Zandee-Hart).

As part of Canada’s National Para Hockey Team, 20 players – including three goaltenders, six defenceman and 11 forwards – have been selected to participate in camps and events throughout the 2025-26 season. The athletes were selected by the coaching staff, with input from Benoit Roy (Sudbury, ON), director of hockey operations, and Adam Janssen (Richmond Hill, ON), manager of hockey operations.

The roster includes nine players who claimed a silver medal at the 2022 Paralympic Winter Games (Armstrong, Dixon, Dunn, Henry, Hickey, Kingsmill, Lavin, McGregor, Jacobs-Webb). It also includes 16 players who helped Canada win a gold medal at the 2024 World Para Hockey Championship in Calgary (Armstrong, Boily, Burnett, Cozzolino, Dixon, Dunn, Halbert, Henry, Hickey, Jacobs-Webb, Kingsmill, Kovacevich, Lavin, Lelièvre, McGregor, Watson).

For more information on Hockey Canada, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.