Charlotte Pieckenhagen, Sara Manness, and Jr. Cudas Co-Captain Claire Murdoch spent New Years in Switzerland preparing for the 2024 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship that kicks off on January 6th from Zug. Pieckenhagen won Gold with Canada at the 2023 Tournament in Sweden, while Manness and Murdoch will make their debut for Team Canada at this year’s iteration.
"It’s a true honour to represent Canada," said Murdoch. "I’m endlessly grateful for the opportunity to play at an international tournament and share the experience with such an amazing group of girls."
Murdoch leads the Jr. Team in Goals (51), Assists (60), and Points (111) in 40 total games played, and is coming off a Gold Medal win with Team Ontario Red at the U18 National Championship in Dawson Creek, BC.
"I can't wait for Game 1," said Manness. "It's a dream come true to wear the Maple Leaf."
Manness is second in Goals (34) and Points (80) in 37 total games and won Tournament MVP for Manitoba at the National Tournament in Dawson Creek. Both Murdoch and Manness are 2nd and 3rd in U22 Elite League points, with Manness leading the U22 Elite in Assists.
"It’s [something] every little girl dreams of and for it to come true and to see all of our hard work pay off is something incredibly special," said Pickenhagen. "Each time I put on that jersey, it brings me back to the little girl that dreamed of this moment. No better feeling in the world!"
Pieckenhagen recently returned from an injury she sustained in the 2023 U22 Elite Championship Weekend and has been almost a point-per-game player since returning to the Barracudas’ lineup.
Canada looks to defend their title and opens the tournament against the newly promoted Germany at 2pm on the 6th. Catch the action on TSN and cheer on your Jr. Cudas!