In a crucial moment for the Canadian women’s Olympic hockey team, players are preparing for two final Rivalry Series games against the United States. These matches, scheduled for Wednesday and Saturday in Edmonton, represent the last opportunity for athletes to secure their spots on the Olympic roster ahead of the Milano Cortina Games in February.
Final Preparations for the Olympics
The games, airing at 9 p.m. ET on TSN, are pivotal for head coach Troy Ryan and the team’s management. General manager Gina Kingsbury emphasized the importance of these encounters, stating they are essential for final preparations with less than 70 days until the Olympics. Canada aims to improve after being outperformed by the U.S., losing both previous matchups by a cumulative score of 10-2.
Roster Changes and Player Highlights
- Goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens returns, having rested during previous games.
- Emerance Maschmeyer, who recently secured a shutout with the Vancouver Goldeneyes, is expected to share net duties.
- Veteran players returning include Brianne Jenner, Jocelyne Larocque, and Emily Clark.
- New faces include rookie defender Nicole Gosling, joining a team needing fresh talent.
Some players who participated in earlier matches, such as Kayle Osborne, Ève Gascon, and Micah Zandee-Hart, have been left off the current roster. Canadian star Sarah Nurse, recovering from long-term injury, will not participate in this series.
Roster Competition Intensifies
This week’s games also spotlight key players vying for limited Olympic spots. Among them are forwards Julia Gosling, Kristin O’Neill, Danielle Serdachny, Caitlin Kraemer, and Jennifer Gardiner. Each athlete strives to prove their value in high-pressure situations.
| Player | Team | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Julia Gosling | Seattle Torrent | Forward |
| Kristin O’Neill | New York Sirens | Forward |
| Danielle Serdachny | Seattle Torrent | Forward |
| Caitlin Kraemer | University of Minnesota Duluth | Forward |
| Jennifer Gardiner | Vancouver Goldeneyes | Forward |
Veteran Insights and Future Challenges
Analyst Cheryl Pounder notes the presence of several experienced players may bolster the team’s confidence. However, she identified areas that require improvement following recent performances. The competition for positions in defense is equally fierce, with veterans like Larocque anchoring the squad alongside promising newcomers.
Importantly, the upcoming games will also be impacted by the dimensions of the Olympic ice surface, which is shorter than standard NHL sizes. This change will likely influence gameplay dynamics, emphasizing speed and physicality.
Looking Ahead to the Olympic Tournament
The Canadian women’s hockey team is set to finalize its roster in January. The Olympic tournament kicks off for Canada against Finland on February 5 at 3:10 p.m. ET. These final Rivalry Series games against the U.S. will undoubtedly shape the team’s path to Olympic success.
