CALGARY, Alta. – Hockey Canada and the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association (OWHA) have announced the list of community events that will take place leading up to and during the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship, which will be hosted next month at CAA Centre in Brampton, Ont.
The grassroots programs will help introduce children and families to hockey, provide opportunities for girls and women to enhance their skills on the ice and behind the bench and allow community members to join in the excitement of the championship at the Tim Hortons Community Rink, where select programs will be supported by the Hockey Canada Foundation.
“Hosting the IIHF Women’s World Championship is an incredible opportunity for us to be able to celebrate not just the best women’s hockey players in the world on the ice, but to involve local communities who play such a vital role in growing the sport at the grassroots level,” said Marin Hickox, director of women and girls hockey for Hockey Canada. “From sessions that will introduce new Canadians to hockey, to free community skates and opportunities to engage with some of the best players to have ever worn the Maple Leaf, we cannot wait to welcome the world to Brampton in April.”
Registration is now open for select free events, including Try Hockey Day, which is aimed to introduce new participants to the game, and We Are Coaches Clinics.
In addition to events requiring registration, throughout the tournament fans are encouraged to join us at the Tim Hortons Community Rink inside CAA Centre, and at the Community Ball Hockey Arena, just steps from where the best women’s hockey players in the world will be competing.
“Development activities surrounding the World Championship are a highlight for OWHA players and team members, as they have an opportunity to be both participants in the event and loyal fans, cheering on their exceptional role models,” said Fran Rider, president and chief executive officer of the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association. “The special events also provide fun and valuable insight for new recruits who join hockey for positive experiences that support their mental and physical well-being.”
Tim Hortons Community Rink
Open during select days of the tournament at CAA Centre, children and families are welcome to lace up their skates alongside special guests at the Tim Hortons Community Rink. Skates and helmets will be provided for participants who do not have access to equipment.
Community Ball Hockey Arena
During select days of the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship, regardless of any previous knowledge or experience of hockey, participants can learn about the game and test their ball hockey abilities in a space outside CAA Centre designed to introduce community members to the game in a stress-free environment.
To help introduce more children to hockey, the Hockey Canada Foundation will be funding and supporting all signature programs, including a Dreams Come True event and two Signature Esso Fun Days. First Shift, a program that is run in partnership with BAUER and the NHL/NHLPA will hold an on-ice session at the Tim Hortons Community Rink as well.
Hosting the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship would not be possible without the support of the City of Brampton, which is a funding partner of the event.
“I’m proud that Brampton is hosting the IIHF Women’s World Championship in April,” said Patrick Brown, mayor of Brampton. “As a healthy and safe city where hockey is especially popular, Brampton is an ideal location for this renowned event. It is great to see all the community activities that will be taking place for the residents to participate in. I appreciate the support from the sponsors. It is going to be an exciting tournament for hockey fans.”
The 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship pre-tournament schedule will be announced next week, along with the list of communities hosting competing teams before the tournament begins.
Tickets to select Women’s Worlds games are available now, at HockeyCanada.ca/Tickets.