Canada reveals new-look roster for 2026 women’s world championship
Hockey Canada announced a 25-player roster for the 2026 IIHF Women’s World Championship in Denmark. The team will be without Marie-Philip Poulin, who is recovering from knee surgery, and several other veteran regulars. Sarah Fillier and Ann-Renee Desbiens are among the key players expected to lead Canada as it seeks a first major international gold since 2024.
Hockey Canada’s 25-player group for Denmark blends remaining veterans with newer faces. Laura Stacey, Erin Ambrose and Renata Fast stay, while Sarah Fillier is expected to carry more of the attack. Daryl Watts, who topped Canada’s scoring at the February Winter Olympics, is also included. Ann-Renee Desbiens remains the expected No. 1, with Kayle Osborne and Eve Gascon behind her.
Several regulars are unavailable. Marie-Philip Poulin is recovering from summer knee surgery, and Sarah Nurse, Jocelyne Larocque, Emerance Maschmeyer, Natalie Spooner, Claire Thompson and Blayre Turnbull are absent; Thompson retired and Turnbull is preparing for motherhood. Canada opens Nov. 6 against Sweden in Group B, which also includes Finland, Japan and host Denmark.
This roster shift could affect Canadian fans, young athletes, and women’s hockey audiences. With Poulin and other familiar names absent, newer players may receive more visibility, potentially inspiring girls who see different role models on