The upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Paralympic Games presents a unique opportunity, one that is overshadowed by a persistent issue: the lack of genuine opportunities for female athletes in para ice hockey. Despite being classified as a mixed-gender sport, women’s participation at the elite level has remained minimal, raising critical questions about equity and visibility in the sport. As the games approach, Canadian para hockey player Raphaëlle Tousignant stands at the forefront of this struggle, having recently navigated a personal health crisis while aiming to make history.
A Mixed-Gender Model That Falls Short
Para ice hockey, known previously as ice sledge hockey, made its Paralympic debut in Lillehammer in 1994. Since then, it has grown into one of the paramount events at the Winter Games. While the classification as a mixed-gender event suggests inclusivity, the reality is starkly different. With only three spots allocated for women on each national team, the model is widely regarded as unsustainable and inequitable.
Claire Buchanan, a former para ice hockey player, articulates the concern: “The model itself doesn’t really present fair opportunities because there are only three spots on each international team that could be given to women. It’s not sustainable.” This structural limitation has resulted in only three women having ever competed at the Paralympics, with just one—Norwegian Britt Mjaasund Øyen—earning a medal.
Tousignant’s Historic Journey
Raphaëlle Tousignant, who made headlines as the first Canadian woman to play alongside men in para hockey, was recently named to the Canadian development team, positioning her for potential participation in Milan Cortina. At just 23 years old, she represents a beacon of hope for the future of women’s para hockey. However, her journey has not been without challenges. Last year, Tousignant announced her breast cancer diagnosis and has since undergone extensive chemotherapy treatment. With her last session approaching, she expresses optimism about returning to the rink. “I’m looking forward to putting this chapter behind me and focusing fully on preparing for the second World Championship coming up later this season,” she stated.
Despite the hurdles, Tousignant’s experience with her male teammates has been overwhelmingly positive. “My teammates on the men’s team have been nothing but respectful. I’ve always felt welcome at the camps and competitions,” she shared, highlighting the camaraderie that exists within the sport.
The Need for Broader Support
While Canada boasts a robust para women’s hockey programme, the rarity of such initiatives globally remains a significant barrier to progress. Only a handful of nations, including Britain, Norway, Australia, and the United States, have established recognised teams. Many countries have developed programmes, but the absence of full national squads limits competitive opportunities for women.
Buchanan points out the underlying issue: “It’s a lack of numbers, and we need to grow the sport in other parts of the world.” The mixed-gender format, rather than encouraging investment in women’s programmes, often discourages it. “Because it’s treated as mixed rather than as a separate women’s and men’s discipline, many countries don’t invest in women’s national programmes,” Tousignant explained.
The International Paralympic Committee has reported a surge in female participation in para ice hockey, with numbers rising from virtually zero to around 20 per cent since 2022. This growth is attributed to targeted development efforts, yet visibility remains a significant challenge. “Young girls and women with disabilities are far more likely to try a sport if they see athletes who look like them competing at the highest level,” Tousignant emphasised.
The Path Forward
To establish a standalone women’s para hockey event in the Paralympics, a minimum of eight active national teams must exist across multiple regions, along with consistent international competition. Currently, there are five recognised teams, and while the inaugural women’s world championship took place last summer in Slovakia—where Canada secured a silver medal—the road ahead is still long.
Hockey Canada has made strides in supporting women’s para hockey. The Hockey Canada Foundation provided $150,000 to Women’s Para Hockey of Canada this season, along with equipment and gear for the inaugural world championship. Yet, many women’s teams lack the backing of national federations, which are often reticent to invest in women’s programmes without the guarantee of Paralympic inclusion.
As Tousignant aptly puts it, “Without Paralympic exposure, many potential athletes simply never discover that the sport exists, or never see it as a realistic dream.” She adds that the visibility of para hockey during the Games played a pivotal role in her own journey into the sport.
Why it Matters
The fight for women’s para hockey to gain a permanent place in the Paralympic programme is not just about sport; it encapsulates broader themes of equity, representation, and opportunity for female athletes with disabilities. As Canada’s Raphaëlle Tousignant continues to break barriers, her story serves as a rallying cry for greater investment and visibility in women’s para sports. The outcome of this struggle could pave the way for future generations, ensuring that young female athletes see a place for themselves in the world of competitive para ice hockey and beyond.
