The United States and Canada engaged in a fierce battle in women’s hockey in 2025, intensifying their long-standing rivalry in the lead-up to the Winter Olympics. Despite Canada’s struggles, winning only one out of eight matches against the U.S., the Americans dominated key encounters. They triumphed over Canada twice during the world championship, clinching a crucial 4-3 victory in overtime in the final. Moreover, the U.S. convincingly swept the Rivalry Series with a total score of 24-7 across four games in November and December. Reflecting on their history, the two nations have a storied past, with the U.S. emerging victorious in six consecutive encounters after a shared conclusion to the previous season’s Rivalry Series. Notably, the U.S. has consistently faced Canada in Olympic finals, except for an upset by Sweden in 2006.
Looking ahead to the upcoming Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina, Italy, Canadian forward Brianne Jenner expressed confidence in her team’s ability to defend their gold medal. She emphasized the strong bonds and belief within the Canadian team, echoing sentiments shared by captain Marie-Philip Poulin, who remains resolute despite acknowledging the challenges ahead.
The landscape of women’s hockey preparation shifted significantly with the introduction of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), altering the traditional training dynamics for both countries in Olympic preparations. Canada’s strategic reliance on team cohesion was disrupted, necessitating a new approach due to the PWHL’s impact on player selection and game strategies. The PWHL integration influenced the composition of both countries’ rosters, with a focus on player performance and team dynamics in the lead-up to the Olympic team selections.
The Canadian management team, led by GM Gina Kingsbury and head coach Troy Ryan, emphasized the importance of monitoring players’ performances in the PWHL as a key factor in final roster decisions. With an expanded roster format mirroring the men’s world championship, the women’s team faces challenges in managing injuries and adapting to the dynamic nature of the league. As the Olympic Games draw closer, the specter of potential injuries looms large, raising concerns for the team’s readiness and adaptability in the face of unforeseen circumstances.
As the teams gear up for the Olympic tournament, scheduled to begin on February 4 against Finland, the focus remains on flexibility and readiness to adjust rosters as needed. With the potential for last-minute changes due to injuries, players are on standby, prepared to step in at a moment’s notice. This dynamic approach underscores the competitive nature of women’s hockey and the resilience of athletes in navigating the complexities of elite-level competition.