Key Takeaways
- Maggie Averill has been named captain of the 2026 U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team
- Averill is a three-time U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team member, with experience playing in the 2024 and 2025 tournaments
- Kylie Amelkovich and Maddy Kimbrel have been named alternate captains, having also played in the 2025 tournament
- The 2026 IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship will take place in Sydney and Membertou, Nova Scotia, from January 10-18
Introduction to the 2026 U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team
The 2026 U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team has announced its leadership for the upcoming IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship, which will take place in Sydney and Membertou, Nova Scotia, from January 10-18. Defender Maggie Averill, from Wayland, Massachusetts, has been named captain of the team, bringing her experience and skills to the role. Averill has been a member of the U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team for three years, playing a crucial part in the team’s defensive core during the 2024 and 2025 tournaments.
Leadership and Experience
Averill’s experience and leadership qualities make her an ideal candidate for the captaincy. She has played in two previous IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championships, winning gold in 2024 and silver in 2025. Her ability to perform under pressure and lead her team to success will be invaluable in the upcoming tournament. Joining Averill as alternate captains are forwards Kylie Amelkovich, from Glen Ellyn, Illinois, and Maddy Kimbrel, from Mound, Minnesota. Both Amelkovich and Kimbrel were members of the 2025 U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team, bringing their own experience and skills to the leadership group.
The Road to the 2026 IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship
The 2026 IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship promises to be an exciting and competitive tournament, with the best young female hockey players from around the world gathering in Sydney and Membertou, Nova Scotia. The U.S. team will be looking to build on their success in previous tournaments, with Averill, Amelkovich, and Kimbrel leading the charge. The team’s experience and leadership will be crucial in navigating the challenges of the tournament and competing against the best teams in the world.
The Importance of Leadership in Hockey
Leadership plays a critical role in hockey, and the appointment of Averill, Amelkovich, and Kimbrel as captain and alternate captains is a significant decision. A good leader can inspire and motivate their teammates, make key decisions on the ice, and help to drive the team’s success. In the high-pressure environment of international competition, leadership is essential, and the U.S. team will be relying on their leaders to guide them through the challenges of the tournament.
Conclusion and Future Prospects
In conclusion, the 2026 U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team has a strong leadership group in place, with Maggie Averill, Kylie Amelkovich, and Maddy Kimbrel at the helm. With their experience and skills, the team is well-positioned to compete at the 2026 IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship. As the tournament approaches, the team will be focused on preparing and fine-tuning their skills, with the goal of bringing home a medal. The future of women’s hockey in the United States looks bright, with talented young players like Averill, Amelkovich, and Kimbrel leading the way.