In a significant Olympic women’s hockey matchup, the United States achieved a commanding 5-0 victory over Canada, marking the most decisive defeat for Canada in Olympic history against their longtime rivals. This game took place on February 10, 2026, at the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan.
Game Overview
Canada faced this challenging contest without their captain, Marie-Philip Poulin, who was sidelined due to a lower-body injury. Brianne Jenner stepped up to lead the team in Poulin’s absence.
Dominance of the United States
- The U.S. controlled puck possession throughout the match.
- Canada struggled to create scoring opportunities, managing only ten shots on goal over three periods.
- U.S. goalie Aerin Frankel recorded a shutout, making 20 saves.
Hannah Bilka shone for the U.S., scoring twice, while Caroline Harvey contributed one goal and two assists. The team showcased their defensive skills, effectively blocking shots and limiting Canada’s chances near the net.
Canada’s Performance
Canada’s head coach, Troy Ryan, expressed disappointment with his team’s execution. He noted issues such as careless puck management and frequent offsides, emphasizing the need for improved performance moving forward.
Looking Ahead
As a result of this defeat, Canada’s preliminary round standing is 2 wins and 1 loss. They will face Finland, whose current record is 1 win and 2 losses, in a crucial game scheduled to determine the second position in Group A.
- The quarterfinal matches are set for Friday and Saturday.
- Canada, the reigning champions, aims to bounce back after this loss.
Despite the setback, Coach Ryan remains optimistic about Poulin’s potential return in time for the Finland game, underscoring the importance of resilience at the Olympic level. The team acknowledges the need for significant improvements as they prepare for the upcoming matches.
Group A Standings
| Team | Record |
|---|---|
| United States | 4-0-0-0 |
| Canada | 2-0-0-1 |
| Finland | 1-0-0-2 |
| Czechia | 1-0-1-2 |
| Switzerland | 0-1-0-3 |
As the tournament progresses, both teams will look to refine their strategies and improve their standings heading into the knockout rounds.
