For the first time in international play history, the Women’s World Championship directly conflicts with the collegiate season. Although the Wisconsin Badgers women’s hockey team is on a bye this weekend, it figures to be without a pair of its key contributors for next week’s series against the St. Thomas Tommies as the young centers try to win medals with their national teams. In all, eleven former, two current, and one future Badger will hit the ice in Denmark—including the youngest player in the entire tournament.
Historically, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) held Women’s Worlds in late March to mid April. After a couple of post-pandemic tournaments held in August, introduction of World Championship play in Olympic years, and the advent of the PWHL, the IIHF shifted the calendar. In past years, the United States, Canada, Finland, and Sweden competed in the 4 Nations Cup during this weekend in the calendar. Since that event has not occurred since 2018, the November slot was free and will be used as a prelude to the PWHL season rather than interrupting it before the playoffs.
Competition begins today, Friday, November 6th at 8:00 a.m. CST. NHL Network will broadcast all games featuring Team USA and all medal round games. A full tournament schedule is on the IIHF Website.