As the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics approach, Canada’s women’s hockey team is stepping into the spotlight under pressure to reclaim their title as defending champions. With a track record of success—five out of seven gold medals since the women’s competition began in 1998—the team typically exudes confidence. However, recent performances have cast a shadow of uncertainty over their prospects in Italy.
A Troubling Rivalry Series
The Canadian squad’s confidence took a hit during the recent Rivalry Series, where they suffered four consecutive defeats to their arch-rivals, the United States. The series, which took place in November and December, was intended to serve as a crucial preparation phase for the Olympics but instead raised eyebrows with its lopsided scores: 4-1, 6-1, 10-4, and 4-1. These results have sparked discussions about whether Canada is now the underdog in their storied rivalry with the U.S.
Gina Kingsbury, general manager of Team Canada, remains resolute, asserting that these losses do not define the team’s potential. “I don’t think it does,” Kingsbury stated. “But I do think it certainly says that it’s probably not going to be an easy Games for us. We’re not going to walk in and, you know, steal the gold medal without sweating.”
A Shift in Strategy
With the Olympics on the horizon, Canada is adjusting its approach. Unlike the high-scoring tactics of the previous Games in Beijing, where they relied on offensive firepower, this year’s team is expected to leverage its extensive experience, with veterans like Marie-Philip Poulin returning for her fifth Olympic appearance. “I think we will be hard to play against,” Kingsbury noted, hinting at a more balanced strategy.
Head coach Troy Ryan points to lessons learned from the Rivalry Series, indicating that the team will make adjustments based on their evaluation of player performances. “Some of the lessons are systematic, some of them are concepts, some of them are just player evaluations,” Ryan explained. “We used it as an evaluation process, so I think it’s different.”
Adapting to New Norms
The path to Milan has differed significantly from previous Olympic campaigns, largely due to the establishment of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). This new league has provided players with competitive environments through club play rather than centralised training. As Canadian forward Sarah Nurse noted, “When we play in the PWHL, we say it’s like playing Team Canada and Team USA every single night.” This shift aims to enhance the level of play and readiness for the Olympics.
Sarah Fillier, another key player, is optimistic that the PWHL will elevate the team’s performance. “It’s going to elevate the game,” she remarked. “Just because we’re playing best-on-best hockey in a real league.”
Looking Ahead
Canada begins its quest to defend its Olympic gold medal against Finland on Thursday, followed by matches against Switzerland, Czechia, and a final group game against the United States. The team is aware of the challenges ahead and is prepared to confront them head-on.
Why it Matters
The upcoming Olympics represent not just a chance for Canada to reclaim its place atop women’s hockey but also a pivotal moment for the sport itself. The introduction of the PWHL marks a potential turning point, as players benefit from consistent, high-level competition. How Canada performs will not only influence their Olympic aspirations but will also set the tone for the future of women’s hockey on the global stage. With the stakes high, the team is determined to rise to the occasion, proving that they have what it takes to adapt and thrive in challenging situations.
