Connor Hood - Golden Bears and Pandas Sports Info

Six female student-athletes and one coach will swap the Evergreen and Gold for Red and White this week, while one student-athlete will swap her Viking helmet for a maple leaf, as the 2023 FISU Winter University Games get underway in Lake Placid, New York. 

The Pandas curling team, along with Pandas hockey forward Madison Willan will all represent the University of Alberta at the 25th Winter Universiade, which is scheduled to run from January 11th to 22nd. 

FISU RESULTS LINK

Following the COVID-19 pandemic and the cancellation of the 2022 U SPORTS Championship, the Pandas needed to win the FISU Qualifier in September to book their spot in New York. It marks the third time the Pandas have represented Canada at the Universiade Games, also doing so in 2017 and 2019. Skip Abby Marks will be joined by third Catherine Clifford, second Brianna Cullen, lead Paige Papley, and alternate Serena Gray-Withers. Pandas selects coach Amanda St. Laurent will also coach the Pandas in Lake Placid. 

This won't be the first time Willan has donned the Canadian colours, as the third-year Pandas forward is also a member of the Canadian Senior Women's Baseball team. Willan leads the Pandas, and sits third in Canada West with 20 points in 20 conference games this season. 

Additionally, University of Alberta - Augustana Viking Reese Bendiksen will compete in the cross-country skiing event. Bendiksen had a successful fall season with the Vikings cross-country running team, placing 2nd at the 2022 ACAC Cross-Country Running Championship before following it up with a bronze medal finish at CCAA Nationals in preparation for the ski season.

Canada Women's Hockey Schedule

Canada Women's Curling Schedule

Canada Women's Cross-Country Skiing Schedule