The highly anticipated gold medal hockey showdown between Canada and the USA is set to take place on February 17, 2026, at the Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games. Scheduled for 1:10 p.m. ET, this match marks the seventh time these two nations will compete for Olympic gold.
Historic Rivalry
Canada enters the matchup aiming to defend their title after a narrow 3-2 victory over the Americans in Beijing 2022. Historically, Canada has secured five Olympic gold medals, while the USA has claimed two. The last six matchups in Olympic finals have often been closely contested, with four concluding with a 3-2 scoreline.
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The USA comes into this encounter riding a remarkable seven-game winning streak against Canada. This streak includes a dramatic 4-3 overtime victory in the last year’s IIHF Women’s World Championship and a dominant 5-0 win during the preliminary rounds of the current tournament.
Team Canada
- Key Player: Marie-Philip Poulin
- Goals Scored: Three goals and one assist in four games
- Defense Performance: Claire Thompson is the only Canadian defenseman to score during these games.
Poulin, known as “Captain Clutch,” has been instrumental in this rivalry. She has scored the game-winning goals in three previous Olympic finals and holds the record for scoring in four finals. Despite missing two preliminary round games due to injury, her return sparked a crucial semifinal victory against Switzerland.
Team USA
- Record: 6-0 at Milano Cortina 2026
- Goals Against: Only one goal allowed throughout the tournament
- Top Contributors: Caroline Harvey (2 goals, 7 assists) and Hannah Bilka (4 goals)
The USA’s goalie, Aerin Frankel, has excelled with three shutouts, showcasing her skills in key moments. Team Canada head coach Troy Ryan acknowledges the skill and discipline of the USA team but remains confident in his players’ abilities to rise to the occasion.
Outlook for the Gold Medal Game
As both teams prepare for this epic showdown, the stakes are high. Canada’s experience in past finals could give them an edge. However, the recent dominance of the USA serves as a reminder that anything can happen in elite competition. This upcoming matchup is set to become another chapter in the storied rivalry of Olympic women’s hockey.
With both teams showcasing formidable talent and resilience, hockey fans worldwide can look forward to an exhilarating contest that will be etched in Olympic history.
