On January 9, 2026, Hockey Canada announced the women’s national team roster for the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games, an announcement local organizers in Mattawa, Ontario, say will likely lead to more young girls signing up for the sport.
The 23-player squad includes 16 returning gold medallists from Beijing 2022 who will compete in Italy in February 2026. While no players from the Mattawa area were named to the final team, local leaders expect the announcement to create a surge of interest at the Mike Rodden Arena.
The Mattawa Minor Hockey Association (MMHA) and the Mattawa Rockets are preparing for an increase in registrations for the 2026–27 season. Association president Matt Gardiner said that community fundraising efforts are essential to keeping costs low so more local children can afford to play.
Clubs in the region and other small associations often see a rise in registrations following major international tournaments, and local coaches plan to use the Olympic excitement to promote skills clinics and recruitment drives for younger age groups throughout the year.
