Canada U18 women’s hockey hopefuls compete for roster spots at Richmond Oval

Canada Red beat Canada White 4-1 in the first girls’ intrasquad scrimmage Wednesday at the Richmond Olympic Oval, as 40 players compete for places on Canada’s incoming National Women’s Under-18 Team.

The athletes, aged 15 to 17, are vying for 23 roster spots. The final team is to be announced Aug. 9 and will play the United States next week before competing at the IIHF U18 Women’s World Championships in Ostrava, Czechia, in January.

Head coach Nadine Muzerall said the selection process is focused less on the score than on how players perform through a game, the value they bring and their ability to play together. She said the systems and structure can develop over time, but players must bring their own competitive drive.

Two more public intrasquad games are scheduled for Aug. 6 and Aug. 8 at 3:30 p.m. at the Richmond Olympic Oval, with free admission. Kelowna’s Brynn Rice, 15, who scored for Red on Wednesday, said her team aims to maintain its pace and physical play while she pursues a spot on the U18 roster.

The Canada-U.S. summer series will also be held at the Oval. A portion of ticket sales will support the Richmond Ravens Hockey Association’s youth hockey programs in Richmond.