As the Milan Cortina Winter Paralympic Games approach, the spotlight remains on the evolving landscape of para ice hockey, particularly concerning female participation. While the sport is officially classified as mixed-gender, practical barriers continue to hinder women’s involvement at high levels. With only a handful of women having competed in the sport’s history, and even fewer achieving recognition, this issue is increasingly pressing.
The Landscape of Mixed-Gender Para Ice Hockey
Para ice hockey, originally known as ice sledge hockey, made its debut at the 1994 Lillehammer Games and has since become a cornerstone of the Winter Paralympics. Despite its mixed-gender classification, the participation of women has been severely limited due to systemic restrictions. Historically, only three women have competed on the world stage, with Britt Mjaasund Øyen being the only one to earn a medal while representing Norway. The absence of a dedicated women’s event at the Paralympics exemplifies the ongoing struggle for equity in the sport.
Claire Buchanan, a former para ice hockey player, emphasises the shortcomings of the current model, stating, “The model itself doesn’t really present fair, because there are only three spots on each international team that could be given to women. It’s not sustainable.” This limited access has resulted in a lack of visibility and investment in women’s programmes, creating a cycle that is difficult to break.
Rising Stars and Challenges
Among the most promising athletes is Raphaëlle Tousignant, who recently made history as the first Canadian woman to play for the national para hockey team. As a member of the Canadian development team, her skills have garnered attention, and she is seen as a potential trailblazer for women in the sport. “My teammates on the men’s team have been nothing but respectful. I’ve always felt welcome at the camps and competitions,” Tousignant shared. However, her journey has faced an unexpected hurdle; she was diagnosed with breast cancer late last year and is currently undergoing treatment.
Despite these challenges, Tousignant remains optimistic about her future in the sport. “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 expressed.
A Call for Growth and Investment
While Canada boasts a robust para women’s hockey programme, the lack of similar initiatives globally hampers the sport’s visibility and growth. Countries like Britain, Norway, Australia, the United States, and Canada are among the few with recognised teams, while many others lack the necessary infrastructure to support a national squad. Buchanan highlights, “It’s a lack of numbers, and we need to grow the sport in other parts of the world.”
The mixed-gender classification further complicates the situation. “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 noted. Since 2022, the International Paralympic Committee has reported a surge in women’s participation in para ice hockey, but visibility remains a crucial challenge. “The biggest impact is that fewer athletes get into para hockey. Visibility creates belief,” she added, stressing the importance of representation.
For a dedicated women’s event to be added to the Paralympic programme, a minimum of eight active national teams is required. Currently, only five teams exist, despite the successful inaugural women’s world championship held in Slovakia last summer, where Canada secured a silver medal against the United States.
Support from Hockey Canada and the Future
As advocacy for women’s para hockey inclusion continues, Hockey Canada has stepped up its support. The Hockey Canada Foundation awarded Women’s Para Hockey of Canada a grant of £150,000 for the current season, along with equipment and team gear for the inaugural world championship. This funding is vital as many women’s teams operate without the backing of national sport federations.
Despite these positive developments, Tousignant warns that the absence of a Paralympic event discourages federations from investing in women’s programmes. “Yet without investment and competitive opportunities, it’s difficult to reach the level needed for Paralympic inclusion,” she asserted.
The push for inclusion in the 2030 Paralympic Games is gaining momentum, with athletes and organisations advocating for change. Tousignant adds, “Without Paralympic exposure, many potential athletes simply never discover that the sport exists, or never see it as a realistic dream. So many of us, myself included, got into para hockey because we watched it on TV during the Games. The problem is, it’s only men.”
Why it Matters
The journey towards equity in para ice hockey is emblematic of broader societal shifts towards inclusivity in sports. As more women like Raphaëlle Tousignant step into the limelight, the hope is that their visibility will inspire future generations of female athletes. The fight for a dedicated women’s event at the Paralympics is not just about competition; it represents a critical step towards equality, recognition, and the empowerment of women in sports globally. As we approach the Milan Cortina Games, the narrative surrounding women’s para ice hockey is not just a story of struggle, but one of resilience and hope for a more inclusive future.
