IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship

media release: USA Hockey, in partnership with the Madison Area Sports Commission, University of Wisconsin athletic department and Bob Suter’s Capitol Ice Arena, announced today that it will stage the 2022 International Ice Hockey Federation Under-18 Women’s World Championship in Madison, Wis., from June 6-13. Find the schedule and ticket links at https://teamusa.usahockey.com/2022u18wwc.

The event was originally set to be played in Sweden in January, but was cancelled by the IIHF due to COVID-19.

“The pandemic has been challenging for everyone in many different ways, and as a leader in the international hockey community, we’re happy to welcome teams from around the world and ensure the U18 Women’s Worlds is played this season,” said Pat Kelleher, executive director of USA Hockey. “We’re thankful to have great partners, and appreciate the excitement and support from the University of Wisconsin, along with Ryan Suter and his team at Bob Suter’s Capitol Ice Arena and the Madison Sports Commission.” 

THE VENUES 

LaBahn Arena, the state-of-the-art home of the University of Wisconsin women’s ice hockey team, and Bob Suter’s Capitol Ice Arena, home of the USHL’s Madison Capitols, will serve as host venues for the competition. 

HISTORY OF THE EVENT 

The IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship was first played in 2008, and the 2022 edition of the tournament will mark the third time it has been conducted on U.S. soil. The U.S. also hosted the event in 2010 in the Chicago suburb of Woodridge, Ill., and in 2015 in Buffalo, N.Y. 

“The Under 18 Women’s World Championship is an important part of the development and growth of the women’s game worldwide,” said Katie Million, director of women’s national team programs for USA Hockey. “We’re excited to step up and host this year and are looking forward to a great championship in Madison.” 

THE 2022 FIELD 

The tournament will include the top eight teams in the world. Group A will play preliminary round games at LaBahn Arena and includes the United States, Canada, Finland and Sweden. Group B, featuring Czechia, Switzerland, Germany and Slovakia, will play its preliminary round games at Bob Suter’s Capitol Arena. The medal round, including bronze and gold-medal games, will be staged at LaBahn. 

“We could not be more excited to be involved in hosting the U18 Women’s World Championship,” said Chris McIntosh, director of athletics at the University of Wisconsin. “Over the course of many decades, the connection the University of Wisconsin has had to international competition in hockey is significant, and to have the chance to host the best players in the world and showcase our University and community is truly an honor.”

“I’ve gotten to know players that have risen to be on our Olympic and national teams who had their first taste of international competition at the U18 Worlds,” said Ryan Suter, owner of Bob Suter’s Capitol Ice Arena and a current NHL player with the Dallas Stars. “It’s amazing to have a world championship in Madison and I know our community will support and enjoy watching the next generation of great players compete for a gold medal.” 

WISCONSIN CONNECTION 

Seven players from the state of Wisconsin have previously represented the U.S. at the U18s – Alex Cavallini/Delafield, Wis. (2010, 2009), Brianna Decker/Dousman, Wis. (2009, 2008), Jamie Kenyon/Sparta, Wis. (2009), Amanda Kessel/Madison, Wis. (2009, 2008), Alexis Mauermann/Janesville, Wis. (2015), Kenzie Prater/Hudson, Wis. (2015) and Baylee Wellhausen/Williams Bay, Wis. (2014, 2013). 

In addition, nine players on the 2021-22 University of Wisconsin women’s hockey team have represented the U.S. at a U18 Women’s Worlds - Casey O’Brien (2018, 2019), Nicole LaMantia (2017), Britta Curl (2018), Grace Bowlby (2016, 2015), Delaney Drake (2017), Makenna Webster (2020, 2019, 2018), Lacey Eden (2020, 2019), Natalie Buchbinder (2017) 

U.S. SUCCESS 

The U.S. has earned eight gold medals in the history of IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship, the most of any nation. Team USA finished at the top of the podium at the most recent U18 Worlds, which came in 2020, thanks to a 2-1 overtime victory over Canada in the gold-medal game. The U.S. has also captured gold in 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2011, 2009 and 2008. In addition, Team USA has gained silver five times (2019, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2010) and is the only team to win either gold or silver in every championship to date.