From intramurals to international ice: Holly Bihun’s remarkable journey to the FISU Games

The women’s hockey competition at the Torino 2025 FISU World University Games is well underway as Day 3 of the preliminary round wrapped up on Monday, 13 January. While Canada and Slovakia lead the pack with 6 points each, not all the best stories come from teams atop the standings.

For 24-year-old Holly Bihun, one of the goalkeepers for the United Kingdom’s squad, the journey to this tournament is as compelling as any victory. Her roots trace back to Mississauga, Canada, where she grew up playing hockey from the age of three.

Despite her love for the game, she never played at a high level in Canada. Her hockey career during her undergraduate studies at Brock University was limited to intramurals while she pursued a bachelor degree in medical sciences. “These were the girls wearing the cool varsity backpacks at Brock,” she said, reflecting on her admiration for Canadian varsity athletes.

After graduating, Bihun’s academic ambitions took her to the United Kingdom. She was accepted into a master’s program in global health sciences and epidemiology at Oxford University, where she now pursues a PhD in population health. Her British heritage — through her mother, who grew up near Cambridge — qualified her to compete for Great Britain.

Wanting to keep hockey in her life, Bihun has spent nearly three years as the assistant captain and goalie for the Oxford Men’s Blues while also competing with the Women’s Blues. “I’ve always loved being pushed out of my comfort zone, rising to the occasion, even if I’m a bit outranked.”

In her 13 January matchup against Canada, she faced an overwhelming 71 shots, saving 58 of them, before giving way to backup Georgia Leigh Ashton. Despite the loss, the GBR players held their heads high. “The girls gave 100% and never gave up, we didn’t want Canada to ease up on us,” Bihun said. “Our goal was to just compete and match their speed, and in many ways, we succeeded.”

Contrasting the Canadian and British hockey landscapes

Bihun’s journey exemplifies the fundamental differences between hockey in Canada and the UK. “Hockey in the UK isn’t what it is in Canada, I know that having experienced both,” Bihun explained. Facilities, development programs, and popularity all lag behind what Canadian players are accustomed to.

“People need to understand the dedication of these players, especially the women. They’re driving two and a half hours for a home game. Back in Canada, there was a rink in pretty much every neighbourhood.”

Despite these challenges, she is committed to help grow the sport in the UK. Both varsity programs at Oxford are entirely student-run, with players taking on roles as coaches, trainers, and managers. “I just booked a tournament in Switzerland for the Men’s Blues,” she shared. “They’re going on Thursday, 16 January but I can’t go because I’m here. That’s what it takes to make things happen.

“I’m proud to represent Great Britain as my heritage. I’m proud of my mom, who grew up in the UK and moved to Canada knowing no one except my dad.”

For Bihun, competing at the FISU Games is a full-circle moment. “This is my official retirement,” she said. “I retired when I was 17. I’m 24 now. I never thought I’d be representing the UK, playing in a tournament like this, let alone against Canada, the place where I grew up.” While her hockey career may be winding down, the goalie’s passion for the game continues.

She’s determined to leave a lasting impact on UK hockey, advocating for better infrastructure and resources to support the sport’s growth. For now, she firmly believes “the people that play hockey in the UK are keeping it alive.”

The women’s hockey medal games in Torino are scheduled for Tuesday, 21 January.

The take place from 13-23 January. Watch all the competitions live on . Click on the link to find the full schedule.

Written by Mackenzie Barwell, FISU Young Reporter, Canada

The Young Reporters Programme exemplifies FISU’s commitment to more than sports competitions. At every FISU World University Games, a group of talented aspiring sports journalists are chosen to cover the competition.

We warmly thank FISU Official Partner Qiaodan Ltd. which provides remarkable uniforms to FISU Family and International Technical Officials since 2015. Qiaodan is a valuable partner for FISU as it continued to provide its support during the postponement of events due to the global pandemic, and recently extended the relationship with FISU up to and including 2025.