MILAN, Italy – The U.S. women’s hockey team is demonstrating their capability to overcome Olympic qualifiers.
After achieving a second consecutive shutout win against Switzerland, 5-0, at the Santa Giulia Arena on Monday night, Team USA remains undefeated in their initial three matches of Group A. They have a remarkable scoring record, boasting a 14-1 advantage over their opponents.
Meanwhile, Canada matched the Czech Republic with a similar score after two periods at the Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena, which is under 20 miles away. However, the most significant development during the women’s hockey tournament on Monday was the sight of captain Marie-Philippe Poulin limping off the ice in the first period.
Poulin sustained a hit from Kristina Kartonkova but managed to return to Canada’s bench by the end of the period. She did not resume play afterward.
Whether Poulin is on the ice or not, this upcoming round-robin matchup is anticipated to establish the tone for Tuesday evening.
2026 Winter Olympics
A glimpse into the potential gold medal game – history suggests this – as Canada faces off against the United States inside the Santa Giulia Arena, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their intense rivalry.
If you believed you knew the outcome of this tournament, you might be mistaken.
In the 1998 Nagano Games, Canada arrived as the favorite, having dominated the four IIHF Women’s World Championships between 1990 and 1997. Team USA surprisingly bested Canada 3-1, emerging undefeated and claiming the inaugural Olympic gold medal in women’s hockey.
Prior to the 2002 Salt Lake City Games, the United States had won eight consecutive pre-Olympic matches and held a 35-game winning streak, often regarded as the stronger team. However, Canada triumphed, defeating the USA 3-2 and securing the first-ever Olympic gold in women’s hockey.
Since women’s hockey was included as an Olympic sport nearly three decades ago, the two nations have vied for the top spot in every Olympic Games except once, in 2006, when Sweden overcame the U.S. in the semifinals.
Since then, Canada has remarkably lost only three games in Olympic competition.
