Hayley McDonald marked her 18th birthday with a hat trick performance. The forward from East St. Paul, Manitoba, played a key role in Canada’s dominating 11-0 victory over Finland in pre-tournament play at the Under-18 Women’s World Championship held in Halifax earlier this week.
Beyond her offensive prowess, McDonald is recognized as the silent leader of the team, aiming to guide Canada to consecutive gold medals for the first time since the 2022-23 season.
“You can’t teach the kind of dedication she has; it’s all heart,” stated head coach Vicky Sunohara in an interview with CBC Sports. “She’s willing to do whatever it takes for the team’s benefit. She leads both on and off the ice.”
The defense of their title will kick off with a match against Switzerland on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET in Membertou, Nova Scotia, as the tournament is being co-hosted by Sydney in Cape Breton. The championship game is scheduled for January 18.
McDonald is among the nine returning players from the squad that clinched victory over the United States in the previous year’s final.
A well-rounded mix of experienced players and newcomers forms what Sunohara describes as a deep and balanced team. The emphasis will be on the collective effort of all four lines rather than relying solely on a couple of stars.
Despite limited time for team bonding, Sunohara is pleased with the team’s cohesion and effective communication early on.
“Our leaders have been exceptional in sharing their wisdom and emphasizing the importance of support, which they received last year from the returning players and leaders,” Sunohara expressed. The former Olympic gold medalist continued, “Their goal is to continue that legacy, provide strong support, lead by example, and ensure the new players feel welcomed and valued. They’re doing an outstanding job.”
One of the returning players is Caileigh Tiller, who contributed 10 points across five games in last year’s competition, including the crucial goal that secured the gold against the U.S. This year, she will be joined by her twin sister, Chelsea, who plays on defense for Team Canada.
Local Talents in Action
Three players from the Maritimes will make their debut for Team Canada closer to home: Kendall Doiron from Boylston, Nova Scotia, Jaylee MacKinnon from Clark’s Harbour, Nova Scotia, and Megan Mossey from Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.
All three played pivotal roles in leading Team Atlantic to a historic run to the final at the Under-18 Nationals last year, ultimately finishing as runners-up to Quebec, marking the first appearance of an Atlantic team in the championship game.
Doiron was recognized as the top forward of that tournament, while Mossey received accolades as the top defender.
“It’s a privilege,” Doiron remarked about representing the national team. “It’s my first opportunity to wear the maple leaf in competitive matches, and doing it in front of local crowds with minimal travel for my family is truly special.”
Doiron currently plays at Shattuck-St. Mary’s, an American preparatory school renowned for producing talented hockey players from Nova Scotia, including Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, and Blayre Turnbull.