At just 19, China's ice hockey goalie Zhan Jiahui has already impressed on the international stage, balancing her passion for the sport with aspirations of becoming a doctor and mastering multiple languages.

by sportswriters Hu Jiali, Wang Haoming and Zhao Ziyu

BEIJING, May 9 (Xinhua) -- At just 19, China's women's ice hockey goalie Zhan Jiahui has already made her name on the international stage.

At the IIHF Women's World Championship Division I Group A in Shenzhen in April, the Beijing native turned away 176 of 187 shots across five games, helping China remain in the group.

Her performance earned high praise from IIHF Council member Marta Zawadzka: "China's young goalie was impressive. We can see that the young generation is coming over."

"As the last line of defense, if I'm not solid enough, the whole team will fall apart," Zhan said. "I believe if I give it 100 percent, good things will happen."

A TWO-YEAR JOURNEY FROM BENCH TO STARTER

Zhan finished the 2025 World Championship with a save percentage of 94.12% as China's starting goalie.

"It was the most intense tournament I've played so far. It was exhausting, but I loved every minute of it. I have gained both confidence and experience," she said.

At the 2023 ice hockey worlds held at the same venue, Zhan was selected for the national team but didn't get any playing time.

Reflecting on her national team debut in 2024, she said, "It was an unforgettable moment when I stepped onto the ice wearing the national jersey with my name and number on the back."

While penalty shootouts can even rattle seasoned players, Zhan finds them thrilling.

"It's a one-on-one showdown with the opponent. When I stop their shots and watch them skate away frustrated, it's such a satisfying moment," she said with a laugh.

In China's narrow defeat to France, Zhan made seven saves in a tense penalty shootout, showing remarkable composure. "A shootout means we fought all the way," she said.

Goalies often face moments of solitude in a team sport, but Zhan embraces it.

"I love the feeling of the puck hitting me - it's proof that my effort matters," she said. "Making all those saves allows my teammates to attack freely. It's an honor to have that responsibility."

A HELMET PRINTED WITH PRIDE

Taking up ice hockey at five, Zhan went to Minnesota, the United States, for study and training during middle school, where she became the starting goalie for her high school team. She now plays for Dartmouth College in the Ivy League of NCAA Division I.

Zhan's presence on China's team often catches attention on campus. "There are only a few Chinese ice hockey players in the NCAA. So when I play for China, the school often posts about it on social media," she said. "It's an honor to let more people know about Chinese ice hockey through my efforts."

She has also drawn attention for her unique helmet, with its backplate printed with the Chinese national flag, the Great Wall and her signature.

"I want to be like the Great Wall - defending for my team," she said. "The design reminds me that no matter where I play, I'm a Chinese player. And I have to give it my all."

DREAMS BEYOND THE RINK

Zhan is chasing dreams beyond ice hockey. One of her biggest ambitions is to become a doctor. "I'm really into pathology," she said.

Last semester, she completed a research report on how AI-driven screening software could assist early cervical cancer diagnosis for women.

"I need to decide on what my major will be in my sophomore year, and I am planning to study biology. If I get the chance, I would love to apply for a medical school."

Her curiosity also extends to languages. Already fluent in English and French, she is now learning Korean.

"When I meet French players, I talk with them in French. It's such a joy to connect with teams from around the world. It's just like a global village," she said. "As one of my college teammates is from the Czech Republic, now I want to learn Czech too."

After the championship, Zhan rushed back to college to catch up on classes. "This semester started three weeks ago, so I have already fallen behind a lot on my class," she said.

Even though the school rink is closed for spring, Zhan and her teammates will still find nearby ice rinks and train two or three times a week, and they will do the same during the summer vacation.

"Ice hockey is something I truly enjoy," she added. "I want to cherish every single moment on the ice."