SYDNEY - Canada opens defence of its world under-18 women’s hockey crown against Switzerland when the January tournament starts in Sydney and Membertou, N.S.

Canada blanked the United States 3-0 in the final of the 2025 championship in Vantaa, Finland.

Marilou Grenier posted a 14-save shutout and Caileigh Tiller, Dorothy Copetti and Stryker Zablocki scored for Canada in the gold-medal game. Defender Chloe Primerano, who is a candidate for the 2026 Olympic team, was Canada’s captain in Finland.

The Canadian women kick off the eight-country 2026 edition Jan. 10 against the Swiss followed by Hungary on Jan. 12 and Sweden on Jan. 13 to close out the preliminary round.

The 1,250-seat arena in Membertou Sport & Wellness Centre will be the site of all preliminary-round games. All playoff game

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