As the Milan Cortina Winter Paralympic Games approach, the spotlight shines on para ice hockey—a unique mixed-gender event that has yet to realise its potential for equitable female representation. With a history stretching back to its Paralympic debut in 1994, the sport has evolved significantly but remains predominantly male, raising questions about access and opportunities for women athletes.
A Legacy Yet to Be Realised
Para ice hockey, initially known as ice sledge hockey, has established itself as a thrilling spectacle within the Paralympic community. Despite being designated a mixed-gender competition, the reality is starkly different. Only a handful of women have participated at the international level, with just three earning spots on national teams, and only one, Norway’s Britt Mjaasund Øyen, has claimed a medal. The absence of a dedicated women’s event underscores the lack of meaningful opportunities for female athletes.
Claire Buchanan, a former para ice hockey player, articulates the frustration within the community, 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.”
Canadian Trailblazer Faces Health Challenges
Among those advocating for change is Raphaëlle Tousignant, who made history as the first Canadian woman to compete with the men’s national team during the 2023 world championships in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Recently named to the Canadian development team, she is seen as a rising star with the potential to make a significant impact at the upcoming Paralympics.
However, Tousignant’s journey has taken a challenging turn. Last year, she announced her breast cancer diagnosis, which necessitated a rigorous treatment regime. With five out of six chemotherapy sessions completed, she remains hopeful about her recovery and is focused on returning to the ice. “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.
The Need for Growth and Support
While Canada boasts a robust para women’s hockey programme, the global landscape remains limited. Countries like Britain, Norway, Australia, and the United States have developed national teams, yet the scarcity of full-fledged women’s programmes stifles growth. Buchanan highlights this disparity, emphasising the necessity for expanded investment in international women’s competitions.
Tousignant notes that the mixed-gender classification itself hinders progress. “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,” she explained. Yet, recent statistics from the International Paralympic Committee reveal that female participation in para ice hockey has surged to approximately 20 per cent of the global player base since 2022, thanks to targeted development efforts.
Despite these gains, the visibility of women athletes remains crucial. “The biggest impact is that fewer athletes get into para hockey. Visibility creates belief,” Tousignant said. “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.”
The Road Ahead: Advocacy for Inclusion
For women’s para hockey to be recognised as a standalone event at the Paralympics, a minimum of eight active national teams across multiple regions is required. Currently, only five teams exist, and while last summer’s inaugural women’s world championship in Slovakia marked a significant milestone, it still falls short of the necessary criteria for Olympic inclusion.
In a promising development, Hockey Canada has pledged its commitment to fostering women’s para hockey, recently granting $150,000 to the Women’s Para Hockey of Canada. Yet, as Tousignant points out, many teams continue to operate without the support of national sport federations. “Without investment and competitive opportunities, it’s difficult to reach the level needed for Paralympic inclusion,” she lamented.
As para ice hockey advocates campaign for the sport’s inclusion in the 2030 Paralympics, the call for visibility and support grows louder. “Without Paralympic exposure, many potential athletes simply never discover that the sport exists, or never see it as a realistic dream,” Tousignant stated. “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 push for women’s inclusion in para ice hockey encapsulates broader conversations about gender equality in sports, particularly at the elite level. The need for targeted programmes, visibility, and investment is paramount not only for the athletes of today but for inspiring the next generation of female para athletes. As the Milan Cortina Games draw near, the hope is that increased advocacy will lead to a more equitable landscape, allowing all athletes to compete on the world stage.
