The U.S. women’s hockey team is gearing up for its final preliminary game against Switzerland before a highly anticipated matchup with Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. Despite facing the powerful Swiss squad—who has shown resilience by coming back from a 3-1 deficit to secure a victory over Czechia in a shootout—the U.S. team leads the preliminary round with a stunning 10-1 scoring record against Czechia and Finland.
As it stands, the roster boasts an impressive lineup, including five-time Olympian Hilary Knight, who is on the verge of breaking the U.S. Olympic scoring record with 14 career goals. Knight aims to surpass Natalie Darwitz and Katie King during this tournament, adding to her substantial legacy in women’s hockey.
The game against Switzerland kicked off at 2:40 p.m. ET, with U.S. goalie Gwyneth Philips making her Olympic debut, while Andrea Braendli is expected to be in net for Switzerland. The Americans struck first, scoring within the first period thanks to a goal from Haley Winn—a significant milestone as it marks her first Olympic goal, assisted by Knight and Caroline Harvey.
The intensity in the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena is palpable, heightened further by the morale-boosting atmosphere as fans enthusiastically participated in a sing-along to John Lennon’s “Imagine” during intermission, signaling a celebration of unity amidst the competitive spirit of the Olympic Games.
Earlier in the day, host nation Italy edged out Japan with a thrilling 3-2 victory, while Germany beat France 2-1 in overtime, adding excitement to the day’s hockey line-up. Canada, currently leading over Czechia, is next on the U.S. schedule, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying face-off.
The U.S. women’s hockey team has a flawless record against Switzerland, with a total domination of 23-0 in their previous encounters, setting expectations high as they head into this match. With the enthusiasm of the crowd and the determination of the players, this game not only holds the potential for further success but also embodies the spirit of the Olympic movement—where athletes strive for excellence while inspiring unity across the globe.