As the women’s ice hockey tournament approaches at the Milan Cortina Games, U.S. coach John Wroblewski remains cautious about his team’s status as favorites. Despite a talented roster, Wroblewski highlighted the challenges the U.S. faced over the past four years, particularly the recent losses to Canada in their Rivalry Series, where they dropped four consecutive games by a significant margin.
Reflecting on this tough period, Wroblewski stated, “You say we’re favorites. What if you would have asked this in February of 2024?” This sentiment resonates with key players like Hilary Knight, Megan Keller, and Alex Carpenter, who experienced the intensity of those matches where Canada dominated.
Historically, the two nations have been evenly matched, each holding wins in recent world championship tournaments since Canada’s victory at the Beijing Games in 2022. While Canada has won three of the last four Rivalry Series, the U.S. showed a powerful resurgence in recent encounters, sweeping Canada in a four-game series with a combined score of 24-7, including a staggering 10-4 victory that marked a historic low for Canada’s defense.
As the tournament kicks off, the U.S. will begin Group A play against Czechia, followed closely by a highly anticipated showdown against Canada. Meanwhile, Canada boasts a formidable lineup, returning 16 players from their record-breaking gold medal team in 2022.
Canadian coach Troy Ryan acknowledges the impression the U.S. youth movement has made, referring to their roster as one of the best young cores he’s ever seen. However, he remains resolute, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of tournament outcomes. “No one put a parade together for the first three Rivalry Series wins, so I’m not going to hang myself on a Rivalry Series loss,” he noted.
In addition to the rivalry, Czechia and Finland are also strong contenders, each bringing a hunger and confidence developed through recent successes. Czechia coach Carla MacLeod remarked on her team’s growth and readiness, stating, “It’s only our second Olympics. But certainly there’s a belief in the room that we can go play our best games and see where it takes us.”
As the teams prepare to compete in this prestigious tournament, all eyes will be on the potential rematch between the U.S. and Canada, which many expect will occur in the gold-medal game on February 18. With underdog status embraced by some and the pressure of expectations felt by others, the stage is set for an exciting and competitive event in women’s hockey, showcasing the talent and determination of all teams involved.