Player Profile Series: Skating to Glory with Illeana Jimenez
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Player Profile Series: Bianca Cuevas | Philippine Women’s Ice Hockey Leader
Bianca Yasmine Cuevas has emerged as a standout figure in Philippine women’s ice hockey, making significant contributions to the national team’s success on the international stage.
Cuevas began her journey on ice as a figure skater before transitioning to ice hockey. Because of her passion for the sport, it led her to represent the Philippines in the 2017 IIHF Women’s Challenge Cup of Asia.
She quickly made her mark by leading the team in scoring with five goals and four assists over six games and captured a 7-4 victory against hosts Kyrgyzstan.
In 2018, Cuevas was chosen as Tournament MVP finishing first scoring with 8 goals and 1 assist in 3 games, where she earned a total of 13 goals and 4 assists in 9 international competition games for the Philippines.
In the 2019 IIHF Women’s Challenge Cup of Asia Division I, Cuevas played a pivotal role in the Philippines' gold medal victory. She led the tournament in scoring with 11 points and was named the Best Forward by the IIHF Directorate.
EDITORIAL TEAM/JET HILARIO
Full Name: Bianca Cuevas
Position: Forward
Height: 1.52 m (5 ft 0 in)
Weight: 58 kg (128 lb)
Age: 27
Birthdate: September 3, 1998
This victory marked the Philippines' first gold medal in the competition, elevating the team's status in international ice hockey.
Cuevas' leadership and skill were evident in the 2024 IIHF Women’s Asia and Oceania Cup, where she was the tournament's top scorer with seven goals and one assist. Her performance was instrumental in the Philippines securing a 7-4 victory against Kyrgyzstan, reasserting the team's presence in international competitions after a hiatus.
Beyond her on-ice achievements, Cuevas has been recognized for her contributions to the sport. She was nominated for the Athlete of the Year award by the Women in Sports Awards, highlighting her influence and dedication to promoting women's sports in the Philippines.
Bianca Cuevas continues to inspire aspiring athletes, particularly young women, by demonstrating that passion and perseverance can lead to success on the global stage. Her journey reflects the growth and potential of Philippine ice hockey and serves as a beacon for future generations of athletes.
