Canada's women's hockey team heads to the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympics as underdogs, despite a strong history with five gold medals. The team, coached by Troy Ryan, includes 16 players from their 2022 Olympic gold squad, coming off a difficult Rivalry Series against Team USA where they lost all four games. The challenge ahead is significant, with the team aiming to rally and regain competitive form during a critical group stage and knockout rounds.

By the Numbers
  • Canada’s women’s hockey team lost the Rivalry Series to Team USA 0-4, with an aggregate score of 24-7.
  • In 2022, Canada outscored opponents 33-5 during the group stage of the Olympics.
Yes, But

While Canada has a record of previous success, their recent losses to the USA raise concerns about their ability to compete effectively in the upcoming Olympics. The nature of past competitions has varied greatly, making predictions difficult.

State of Play
  • The Olympic women's hockey tournament will start with Canada playing Finland, Switzerland, Czechia, and the USA in the preliminary round.
  • Canada features a mix of veteran players and promising newcomers led by experienced stars like Marie-Philip Poulin and Sarah Nurse.
What's Next

Canada will aim to overcome its recent struggles and secure a strong performance in the group stage, with high hopes of reaching a final showdown against the USA. A robust show in the preliminary rounds is essential for setting a positive momentum for the knockout phases.

Bottom Line

The upcoming Olympics present a critical opportunity for Canada's women's hockey team to prove their mettle, but they must first adapt and perform coherently in the group stage to contend for another gold medal.