As the 2025 Championships kick off, Pacific island nations continue to defy the odds — proving that population size is no barrier to producing world-class sport, writes JAMES NALTON
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Sweden blazes trail in women's hockey
HV71's Teghan Inglis (left) challenges Modo's Alexie Guay during their Swedish Women's hockey league match in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, on January 10, 2025
In a town shaped by hardship and history, a grassroots boxing club led by Andrew McFarlane gives purpose to the next generation — including a rising champion, writes JOHN WIGHT
LAUREN BELLEFONTAINE came off the ice after a game in Sweden’s top women’s hockey league and detailed the toll her body had just taken.
“I got a stick to the collarbone tonight and also a hit to the head. Definitely some bumps and bruises,” she said with a smile. “But I’m feeling fine.”
Growing up in Canada, Bellefontaine kept hearing people ask why there was no hitting in women’s hockey. It has taken a move to northern Sweden for her to discover the more physical side of the sport.
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