National women's hockey team trains in Fredericton for 2018 Olympics

Hockey fans in Fredericton can watch some of the country's future Olympians prepare for the 2018 Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

The national women's hockey team is starting an 18-day hockey camp in the capital city this week.

"They're all elite athletes," said Morgan Bell, a spokesperson for Hockey Canada. "These are the most accomplished and elite in women's hockey in our country."

- Hockey New Brunswick considers axing co-ed minor teams

The team, which consists of 28 women, was named in early May.

The plan is to focus on off-ice training, including "dry land training, fitness-testing, physical and mental preparation," Bell said.

Preparing for South Korea

Fourteen of the players won gold at the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia.

But that doesn't mean the pressure isn't on. Only 23 of the 28 women can represent Canada at the next games.

"They're looking to earn spots," said Bell.

There are no New Brunswickers on the team.

While some of the training will take place behind closed doors, New Brunswickers are invited to watch any session held in public venues or at the rink.

Bell said the team's training schedule is still being finalized. The first players arrived Thursday and the camp runs until June 12.

"This is the first [chance] for this team of 28 players, which will be together until leading into Pyeongchang, to get together," she said.

Inspiring the next generation

A few young hockey players from Fredericton and around the province also get to play with the team.

On June 7, the future Olympians will hold a training session with female hockey players from the novice, atom and peewee divisions. The training session will focus on basic skills development and include a motivational talk.

Nic Jansen, executive director for Hockey New Brunswick, said tickets sold out fast.

The players "all have stories to tell," he said. "For the young players to be able to hear those stories, meet them, that's a big opportunity."

Hockey New Brunswick will also host a public event on June 1 with Melody Davidson, general manager of its female national team programs.

Davidson, who won numerous world championship and three Olympic gold medals, will talk about the differences between men's and women's hockey, how women can thrive in both, and what she looks for in top-level players.

Jansen said he hopes the sessions will show young New Brunswick players where hockey can take them, "what these girls went through, and the opportunities they got."