Norway Women's National Under-18 Ice Hockey Team
The Norway women's national under-18 ice hockey team serves as the premier developmental squad for female hockey players under the age of 18 in Norway. Managed by the Norwegian Ice Hockey Association, the team competes on the global stage at the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Women's U18 Championships, striving to elevate the profile of women's sports in the region.
Known by their nickname Isbjørnene (The Polar Bears), the team embodies the resilience and strength associated with their namesake. They currently compete within the IIHF World Women's U18 Championships - Division I A, a tier designed to group nations with similar competitive strengths to ensure balanced and high-quality matchups.
Key Facts
- Nickname: Isbjørnene (The Polar Bears)
- Governing Body: Norwegian Ice Hockey Association
- Head Coach: Janne Salmela
- Captain: Maren Knudsen
- Best Championship Result: 2nd place (2015)
- IIHF Code: NOR
Team Leadership and Performance
The squad is currently led by head coach Janne Salmela, supported by assistant coaches Marte Carlsson and Magnus Evensen. On the ice, the team is captained by Maren Knudsen, who provides critical leadership for the young athletes.
Statistically, the team has seen standout individual performances. Mathea Fischer holds the record for the most points with 22, while both Mathea Fischer and Andrea Dalen share the title for top scorers with 11 goals each. The team's experience is well-distributed, with several players having appeared in 20 games.
International Competition History
Norway made its international debut on December 28, 2008, in Chambéry, France, where they faced Austria in a closely contested match that ended in a 2–1 victory for Austria. Since then, the team has made 14 appearances in the IIHF World Women's U18 Championships.
The team's journey has been marked by significant milestones. Their most successful campaign occurred in 2015, when they secured a 2nd place finish. Their most dominant performance to date was a 15–0 victory over Australia on January 8, 2024, in Jaca, Spain. Conversely, their toughest challenge resulted in a 13–0 defeat against Japan on April 6, 2022, in Győr, Hungary.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| International Record (W–L–T) | 27–41–0 |
| First International Match | Dec 28, 2008 vs. Austria |
| Biggest Win | 15–0 vs. Australia (2024) |
| Biggest Defeat | 0–13 vs. Japan (2022) |
| Best Result | 2nd (2015) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the nickname of the Norway women's U18 ice hockey team?
The team is known as Isbjørnene, which translates to The Polar Bears.
Who is the current head coach of the team?
The team is currently coached by Janne Salmela.
What is the team's best result in the IIHF World Women's U18 Championships?
Their best result was finishing 2nd in 2015.
Who holds the record for the most points on the team?
Mathea Fischer holds the record for the most points with a total of 22.
When did Norway play its first international U18 women's match?
The team played its first international match on December 28, 2008, against Austria in Chambéry, France.