As the anticipation builds for another thrilling showdown, Canada and the USA are set to renew their storied Olympic rivalry in the women’s hockey final during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games. This final marks the fifth consecutive time these two countries will meet for the gold medal, with the matchup scheduled for Thursday at 1:10 PM ET.
Olympic Showdown: Canada vs. USA
This historic final will be the seventh meeting between Canada and the USA in an Olympic championship. Canada seeks to defend its title after a narrow victory at the Beijing 2022 Games, where they triumphed over the Americans 3-2. Notably, four of the six previous finals between these rivals ended with the same score, highlighting the competitiveness between the two teams.
Historical Context
- Canada: 5 Olympic gold medals
- USA: 2 Olympic gold medals
Recent history favors the Americans, who have won seven consecutive matches against Canada leading into this Olympic clash. Troy Ryan, the Canadian head coach, downplays this losing streak, stating that the final will be determined by a single game, regardless of past outcomes.
Path to the Final
The USA enters the final after winning gold at the last IIHF Women’s World Championship, defeating Canada 4-3 in overtime. This season, they swept the Canadian team in four rivalry series matches and had a commanding 5-0 victory over Canada during the preliminary round in Milano Cortina.
Canada’s performance has been strong overall, with five wins and a single loss in the tournament. They scored 21 goals and allowed only eight. The team narrowly defeated Switzerland 2-1 in the semifinals, with key contributions from captain Marie-Philip Poulin, who scored both goals.
Key Players to Watch
- Marie-Philip Poulin: The veteran captain and star player has three goals and one assist in the tournament.
- Daryl Watts: The rookie standout leads Canada with two goals and six assists.
- Aerin Frankel (USA): The American goalie has recorded three shutouts and allowed only one goal during the tournament.
Poulin, often called “Captain Clutch,” holds an impressive record of scoring in four Olympic finals. Her leadership and experience are invaluable as Canada prepares to face their rivals once more.
Final Thoughts
Despite the Americans’ strong statistics and recent success, the unpredictability of Olympic hockey reminds us anything can happen. Canada’s comeback victory in the 2014 Sochi final, where they overcame a 2-0 deficit, serves as a powerful reminder of their resilience. With experienced players like Poulin and Jenner, Canada hopes to once again capture the gold medal and continue their rich Olympic legacy.
As the hockey world eagerly awaits this nail-biting final, fans can expect a fierce battle between these two great nations.
