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Ice Hockey Team first Australians selected for 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games

 

Ice Hockey Team first Australians selected for 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games

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AOC
Gangwon 2024 Ice Hockey Team

The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has announced the selection of a 13-strong ice hockey team for the 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games (WYOG) in Gangwon, South Korea.

The 13 athletes are the first Australians selected of an expected team of 53 athletes, to compete with 1900 youth athletes from 70 countries from 19 January to 1 February 2024.

Annika Schmitz, Elin Schmitz, Georgia Watts, Grace Kalambokas, Gwendolyn Ellis, Hannah Cryan, Jasmin Mayor, Johanna Meissner, Katie Meyer, Olivia Gargano, Poppy Noone, Sophie Reader and Tara Baker will contest the women's ice hockey 3v3 tournament in Gangwon – the first time an Australian ice hockey team will compete at a WYOG.

While Australian ice hockey players have previously competed at WYOG in individual skills competitions and in mixed-nation teams, this is the first all-Australian ice hockey team to represent Australia at a Youth Olympic Games.

Australian Chef de Mission and Vancouver 2010 Olympian Ramone Cooper welcomed today's announcement.

“Congratulations to the 13 ice hockey athletes selected to the Australian Team for the 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games,” Mr Cooper said.

“As the first Australian ice hockey team to be selected for a Winter Youth Olympic Games, this is a fantastic achievement and I have no doubt these young athletes will do an incredible job representing their country in Gangwon.

“This is an excellent opportunity for young Australian winter athletes to test themselves against the world’s best in a large multi-sport environment, providing an invaluable experience to grow as athletes and teammates.

“Congratulations again to each of the selected athletes, and to Ice Hockey Australia, coaches, families and supporters for achieving this outstanding milestone.”

Fifteen-year-old Johanna Meissner, who earlier this year won gold at the 2023 IIHF Division IIA tournament, said she is excited by the opportunity to represent Australia at the Winter Youth Olympic Games.

“I am very thankful for this incredible opportunity and to be selected by the Australian Olympic Committee and by Ice Hockey Australia,” Meissner said.

“To me it's not just about competing on a global stage; it's about the lessons learned, the friendships forged, the immense personal growth opportunity and the ability to play with so many incredible girls in the sport we all love.

“I would also like to give a big shout out to all my coaches and last but not least, my parents – without you I wouldn’t be able to play at the WYOG for Team Australia.”

General Manager of Ice Hockey Australia Adam Woolnough said it was an amazing feeling to nominate an Australian team to participate in the 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games.

“To all those before and to the ice hockey community now at local rinks coaching, volunteering, and playing, this is a collective achievement,” Mr Woolnough said.

“I know the team will represent Australia and the AOC with pride and humility and come away with lifelong memories.”

Head coach Remi Harvey congratulated the athletes on their selection.

“The determination from the group has been outstanding,” Mrs Harvey said. “My simple message to the selected players is to be proud of what they have achieved and really double down now and keep working hard.

“We’re going to be playing against some great hockey players and will be taking on an experience of a lifetime!”

The ice hockey 3v3 tournament will commence on 20 January 2023 at Gangneung Hockey Centre, with the medal matches taking place on 25 January 2023.

Australian Ice Hockey players have previously won four medals at the winter YOG, with Sharnita Crompton winning bronze in the inaugural Individual Skills Challenge in Innsbruck 2012, and Courtney Mahoney, Sai Lake and Nikki Sharp medalling in mixed-nation teams at Lausanne 2020.

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