Lena Schroder believes the European team have improved ©Eurosledge

Norway’s Lena Schroder has hailed the improvement of Europe’s women’s team after their participation at the Women’s World Ice Sledge Hockey Festival.

The competition between Europe, Canada and the United States was viewed as an important showcase event for the sport.

A series of six matches were held, with the hope that countries across the world will look to develop ice sledge hockey for women.

The European team were beaten in all of their four matches at the festival, but suffered only a narrow 2-1 loss to Canada in their first meeting, while Schroder scored a hat-trick in their 7-3 defeat to the United States.

"The best thing about the tournament was seeing how much the European team has managed to grow," said Schroder, who also trains with the Norwegian national team.

"We still have very few players, but we have gotten so much better as a team.

"It is also great to be able to play against the best women from other countries.

"That way you get a better idea of your own level compared to other female players and it helps you get better yourself."

The six match festival was aimed at showcasing the sport to other countries ©Facebook/USA Women's Sled Hockey Team
The six match festival was aimed at showcasing the sport to other countries ©Facebook/USA Women's Sled Hockey Team

The European team was formed of players from Britain, Norway and Finland, while they were able to call upon the support of Norwegian coach Tor Rivera.

It is hoped the event, which had digital coverage and live streamed matches, will help to grow the sport which unlike the men's game is not on the Winter Paralympic programme.

Meetings were also held throughout the duration of the festival, centered on the future development of women’s ice sledge hockey.

Representatives from the competing nations were present, along with invited guests, with key subject matters including how to increase participation in Europe and Asia, plans for social media and classification of athletes.