Ice Hockey Australia has announced its U18 Women’s National Team for the 2027 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship Division II, Group A.
Held in Istanbul, Türkiye from January 25-31, Australia will compete against five nations across the tournament, with hosts Türkiye, Netherlands, Kazakhstan, Latvia, and Romania joining the Junior Flyers in Group A.
After suffering relegation in 2026, Australia will be looking for an immediate return to Division IB.
Now, with the roster announced, Australia can look towards another strong IIHF campaign.
Ranked inside the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) top 20, the Australia U18 program has seen recent international success.
With the coaching staff and roster now confirmed, attention turns to the players tasked with leading Australia’s push for promotion.
So, let’s delve deeper into the squad and coaching staff that will represent Australia.
Shifting Rosters and New Opportunities
Each year the roster rotates as players age out and some are not available for national team duties.
Despite known AWIHL players such as Hannah Cryan, Georgia Watts and Katie Meyer missing, quality continues to arrive.
Perth Inferno goaltender Madelyn Reid will debut alongside Sydney Sirens defender Poppy Noone.
Adelaide Rush’s Anika Wegund returns after a breakout AWIHL season, scoring five goals and adding five assists for 10 points as a 16-year-old defender.
Returning to the national team for the first time since 2025, Wegund will add quality to the backend after strong AWIHL campaigns.
Olivia Gargano and Reid will be the goaltending duo, both continuing to improve with AWIHL opportunities.
It’s a different looking forward group compared to 2026, with Jasmin Mayor and Anika Mojzisek two players to keep an eye on.
Mayor had a strong 2025/26 season with the Melbourne Ice, while Mojzisek is plying her trade in Czechia.
Overall, with changes coming through each year, judging performance is hard to gauge.
However, under a fresh coaching staff, there is hope that this Junior Flyers team can win gold.
Player to Watch: Jasmine Chen
When looking at the Australian roster there is one player that jumps off the screen, Adelaide’s Jasmine Chen.
Chen is a rising star of Australian ice hockey currently playing for BioSteel Sports Academy U22 in Canada.
After 14 games in 2026 Chen has 11 points (five goals, six assists) playing on defence.
Off the back of a strong Stephanie Boxall Tournament for South Australia finishing with four points (two goals, two assists) from five games, Chen is continuing to improve.
At only 16 years old Chen is a dynamic defensive player, with elite speed and stick handling, it allows her to make plays off the rush.
With Australia looking for an immediate return to Division IB, Chen will be an important blueline presence for the Junior Flyers.
A New Era Behind the Bench
The Junior Flyers will head into the tournament under a new coaching regime.
Michael O’Grady will serve as the new head coach, supported by Sarah Edney and Annelie Kvisle as assistant coaches.
Gabe Robledo joins the staff in a combined role, covering goaltending, equipment and assistant team manager roles.
O’Grady replaces Remi Harvey, who was the head coach from 2023 to 2026, helping nurture and build a strong international U18 program.
The current head coach of Indiana Tech Women’s Hockey, O’Grady will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Australian team.
At Chatham University, O’Grady became the winningest coach in program history, across a seven-season tenure.
O’Grady helped guide the Mercyhurst women’s hockey program to a CHA Conference Championship and an appearance in the NCAA Elite 8.
It is a strong appointment for the Junior Flyers as they look to continue their improving U18 program.
The Istanbul Gauntlet: Mapping the Promotion Push
It won’t be an easy road back to Division IB for Australia, with five opponents standing between them and promotion.
However, there is some familiarity with the teams that Australia will be lining up against.
International hockey is a continuous cycle of improvement, each tournament is a test of programs across the world and how they are advancing.
Kazakhstan and Latvia will be tough tests for the Junior Flyers; both teams have significant experience in international competition.
Romania are fresh off promotion from Division II Group B, winning gold and promotion to Division II Group A. Australia has played Romania twice before, winning both contests – including a dominant 10-0 victory in 2017.
The Netherlands and Türkiye are familiar opponents for Australia, frequently crossing paths during IIHF tournaments over the last few cycles.
The Junior Flyers have a 7-4 record against all five teams, with 11 matches played between the nations.
Historically, results have been on the side of Australia heading into Istanbul, as they look to rebuild and return to Division I.
It’s a strong squad under new leadership, which makes the 2027 tournament all the more intriguing.
Support Your Junior Flyers
Women’s ice hockey in Australia is a fully self-funded sport; all players pay their way to play and rely heavily on donations and sponsorships.
There are many ways that you can help our U18 Women’s National Team get to Istanbul in 2027.
Hit the players name below and help the players get to the Division II Group A World Championships.
