Catherine Faherty’s Development Evident Throughout Frontier Series

Earlier in April, members of the U.S. Women’s National Sled Hockey Team gathered at the Richcraft Sensplex in Ottawa, Ontario, for the 2026 Frontier Series against Canada, having not skated together for almost eight months.

While they had all remained engaged with club teams across the nation, the U.S. players required a few days to reestablish their teamwork.

“It was so enjoyable to reunite with the ladies and the team,” remarked head coach Rose Misiewicz. “It was truly thrilling. During the initial days, we shook off some rust from our skates and sticks. It was delightful to witness them returning to their true form.”

The last occasion the Americans skated together was in August, when they secured victory at the inaugural Women’s World Para Ice Hockey Championship in Dolny Kubin, Slovakia.

The Americans concluded the tournament without a loss, defeating Canada 7-1 in the gold-medal match.

“It was the finest sled hockey event I’ve ever participated in,” stated Catherine Faherty. “It was a historic moment in itself.”

Faherty and her teammates took some time to find their rhythm during the three-game Frontier Series.

The Americans achieved a 2-1 shootout win in the first game. They followed that with a 5-4 victory in Game 2, then reached their peak performance with a 7-1 triumph to finish the tournament.

<p“By the third game, they were executing the system, collaborating effectively, and not skating independently,” Misiewicz noted. “They were supporting one another and sharing the puck.”

Despite the initial challenges, the Americans maintained their undefeated streak in this series since its inception in 2024.

“It’s always somewhat challenging at the beginning because we are spread across the country, so we don’t play together regularly,” Faherty explained. “There’s always a period of adjustment to find our rhythm and remember how to play as a team.”

Misiewicz highlighted that the U.S. had only one practice session in Ottawa prior to the series commencement.

“It’s tough,” she acknowledged. “They perform remarkably well when they come together. It’s all about the team… and picking up where they left off, which is impressive to observe.”

Misiewicz described Faherty, a 21-year-old center, as one of the “rocks” upon which her team is built.

“She’s a very consistent player, exceptionally skilled, one of our leaders and captains,” Misiewicz stated. “She brings intensity to every game. She possesses a strong understanding and knowledge of the game, as well as excellent hockey sense.”

Throughout the series, Faherty tallied four assists and two goals.

According to Misiewicz, Faherty excels both with and without the puck.

“No one on our team has a better awareness of the entire ice and the game,” Misiewicz remarked, commending Faherty’s intensity and energy during the series. “She is highly competitive and has a strong desire to win.”

Misiewicz noted that Faherty puts in effort on both sides of the ice.

“She can shoot, score, and control the offensive aspect of the game, and she has no hesitation in contributing defensively as well,” Misiewicz said. “She demonstrated that throughout the weekend. Very team-oriented.”

Faherty has evolved significantly as both a player and a person since joining the U.S. Women’s Development Sled Hockey Team as its youngest member at age 13.

“It’s been a pleasure over the years to witness her growth and development,” Misiewicz commented. “She was quite reserved and shy when she first joined the team. She has truly embraced her role as a leader. Many players now look up to her.”

Among Faherty’s notable qualities are her open-mindedness and receptiveness to feedback.

“She is genuinely a pleasure to coach,” Misiewicz stated. “Not only has she improved herself, but she has also significantly enhanced this team.”

Faherty recalls her early days with the team as a teenager, when she was focused on fitting in and learning the game.

“Now, after being on the team for so long and being coached by our staff, learning from them and my teammates, and growing as a person, I feel that my team has taught me so much about hockey and life beyond the sport,” Faherty said.

Faherty and her fellow U.S. players received their World Championship rings at the Frontier Series. She hopes to see women’s sled hockey recognized as a Paralympic sport so she can add more accolades to her collection.

“This has been my dream since childhood,” Faherty expressed. “I have always aspired to compete at the highest level possible in the sport. That has been my goal for as long as I can remember.”

Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.