The Kitchener Rangers held a special celebration for International Women’s Day on March 8, featuring a ceremonial puck drop by Waterloo, ON native Caitlin Kraemer and Blenheim, ON native Abby Stonehouse. At the 2023 IIHF World Women’s U18 Championship, Caitlin Kraemer broke multiple records, including the Canadian single-tournament goal scoring record previously held by Marie-Philip Poulin. Returning for the 2024 U18 Championship, Kraemer was named alternate captain of the Canadian team. Winning the bronze medal, she finished with 10 goals for the second straight year, setting the Canadian record for career goals at the championship with 20 and ending her under-18 career just shy of Kendall Coyne Schofield’s record of 22 goals, accomplished over three years. Abby Stonehouse won gold alongside Kraemer in 2023 and also played a key role in securing the Bronze for Team Canada during the 2024 Championship. She scored two short-handed goals and added three assists to lead Canada past Czechia 8-1. Both goals came in the second period, making the Blenheim, Ont., native the first player in tournament history to register two short-handed goals in both the same game and period. The pair both play with the Waterloo Ravens in the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association under-22 elite league. This exciting game day is part of the Rangers’ commitment to promoting inclusivity and recognizing the accomplishments of women in sports.
Prior to the game, the Kitchener Rangers hosted a unique opportunity for youth girls hockey players in Kitchener-Waterloo (open to ages 10-12). The team’s Manager of Communications and Team Services, and former professional women’s hockey player, Lindsay Eastwood conducted a special practice session for aspiring players. This exclusive experience aimed to inspire and empower young girls in the community while fostering a love for the game.
