One of the most thrilling rivalries in sports will take the spotlight at Milano Cortina 2026 on Tuesday: the clash between Canada and the United States in women’s hockey.
This rivalry dates back nearly 40 years, commencing with Canada’s victory in the inaugural world championship in 1990.
The Americans retaliated during the first Olympics to include women’s hockey in 1998, clinching a tournament that saw Canada as the clear favourite.
Since then, the rivalry has continued, with the Americans claiming 11 world championships and Canada securing 13.
In Olympic history, Canada has achieved five gold medals, the latest being in 2022, when a formidable Canadian squad set records en route to their victory.
“It’s why we play hockey, to get to play in these games,” expressed Canadian forward Kristin O’Neill prior to the Games. “Just the chance to face them again this season is genuinely cool and exciting for me.”
This time, many view the Canadians as underdogs against a younger American team brimming with talent and speed. The Americans hold the top position in the world rankings according to the International Ice Hockey Federation, while Canada ranks second.
The previous world championship saw a nail-biting finish, with the Americans narrowly defeating the Canadians 4-3 in overtime.
The Rivalry Series, however, was far less competitive, with the Americans sweeping the Canadians and outscoring them 24-7 across those four encounters.
Natalie Spooner scored the first goal for Canada at the Olympic tournament, noting the team will play with determination. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press)
Yet, the Olympics present a clean slate. Natalie Spooner, who has dedicated over a decade to the rivalry between these teams, assured that the Canadians will be prepared for their match against the U.S., which starts at 2:10 p.m. ET on Tuesday. Fans can catch all the action on CBC and CBC Gem.
“We can embrace that underdog mentality,” Spooner mentioned recently. “There’s nothing negative about being the underdog and proving ourselves. As players, we’ve had to prove ourselves repeatedly.”
Unfortunately, Canada will be missing its captain, Marie-Philip Poulin, for the game on Tuesday.
Poulin sustained a lower-body injury during the first period of Monday’s 5-1 victory over Czechia and is currently listed as day-to-day.
Emerging Talent
The American roster has undergone a transformation following several defeats to the Canadians: at the 2022 Olympics and three out of four world championships from 2021 to 2024.
In recent years, younger players like Laila Edwards, Tessa Janecke, and defender Haley Winn, who has logged more average time on ice than anyone else in the PWHL this season, have been integrated into the team.
“I believe our staff has effectively provided exposure for various players while balancing a veteran core with fresh energy, ensuring everyone is prepared for the world’s biggest stage,” Knight stated.
Players such as defender Caroline Harvey and forward Abbey Murphy, who are expected to be top picks in the upcoming PWHL draft, have stepped into more significant roles.
WATCH | Canada defeats Czechia but loses Poulin to injury:
So has Taylor Heise, a two-time world champion and Walter Cup winner over the past four years, who will be making her Olympic debut.
“They have an exceptional group of young talent emerging,” said Canadian head coach Troy Ryan regarding the Americans. “It’s the best I’ve seen in my time.”
The goal is now defended by Aerin Frankel from the Boston Fleet, who was not part of the previous Olympic roster. She has allowed fewer than two goals per game in her PWHL career and is currently among the top two goaltenders in the world.
In addition, the team boasts veterans like Alex Carpenter, Hilary Knight, Lee Stecklein, Kelly Pannek, Megan Keller, and Kendall Coyne Schofield, the captain of the Minnesota Frost, who is enjoying her best season in the PWHL thus far.
In the preliminary round, the Americans have dominated their opposition, outscoring the Czechs, Finns, and Swiss with a combined score of 15-1.
Canada is expected to present the most significant challenge yet.
Hilary Knight (third from left, wearing captain’s C) leads the American Olympic team as one of its veterans. (Petr David Josek/The Associated Press)
“I never view us as the top contenders,” remarked Knight, who is participating in her fifth Olympics. “I always see us as somewhat of the underdog. Perhaps it’s because of the struggle for greater visibility for the sport in the United States and overcoming barriers that way.”
A Seasoned Roster
The Canadians, in contrast, are relying on the advantage of having 16 players returning from Beijing.
No player, male or female, has netted more goals in Olympic finals than Poulin over five tournaments. While she won’t participate in the preliminary match against the U.S., her return later in the tournament would significantly enhance Canada’s prospects.
Canada also features Ann-Renée Desbiens, who ranks alongside Frankel at the pinnacle of goaltending. She holds records for the most wins, highest save percentage, and lowest goals against average, and has never suffered a loss at the Olympics.
Ottawa Charge captain Brianne Jenner is enjoying a standout season in the PWHL, while speedy Renata Fast will play a crucial role on defense.
New York Sirens forward Sarah Fillier showcases the young talent on the Canadian team. (Darko Bandic/The Associated Press)
Canada also boasts emerging talents, with Sophie Jaques (25) being a finalist for the PWHL’s defender of the year award. Daryl Watts (26) and Sarah Fillier (25) are among the most electrifying players in the sport. Julia Gosling (24) leads the Canadian squad in scoring, having netted three power-play goals in two matches.
There is no doubt that the Americans have displayed dominance this season. Ryan characterized his team’s performance during the Rivalry Series as “very sloppy” and “uncharacteristic.” The Canadians also struggled on special teams.
Currently, Canada has outscored its opponents 9-1 in consecutive victories over Switzerland and Czechia.
More importantly, they have remained resilient in the face of challenges, whether it was the postponement of their opening match against Finland or the injury to their captain.
What’s at Stake
All five teams in Group A, which comprises Canada, the United States, Finland, Czechia, and Switzerland, will advance to the quarterfinals later this week.
In the larger context, Tuesday’s game is primarily for seeding in the quarterfinals.
However, the stakes are always elevated when Canada faces the United States.
“At the end of the day, we’ll wake up [on Tuesday] and focus on ourselves,” said Canadian forward Laura Stacey. “That’s our main goal. If we show up as our best selves, we will set ourselves up for a fantastic game.”
The competition embodies respect, pride, and even a hint of rivalry, despite many of these players being teammates in the PWHL. The dynamic shifts when representing one’s country.
“The stakes are higher, and the intensity is elevated, but we must remind ourselves it’s still hockey, and we excel at it,” stated Edwards, the American defender. “When we stick to our style, we become a formidable presence.”
