USA Women’s Hockey Dominates Canada, Sets Sights on 2026 Gold

MILAN (Azat TV) – The U.S. women’s ice hockey team has delivered a resounding statement at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, defeating perennial rival Canada with a dominant 5-0 victory. This emphatic win not only secured a perfect 4-0 record for Team USA in the preliminary round but also solidified their position as the leading contender for the coveted Olympic gold medal, a long-sought achievement for the American squad.

Team USA’s Dominance and Gold Medal Hopes

The decisive 5-0 shutout against Canada marked a historic low for the Canadian women’s team, representing their worst-ever defeat in Olympic women’s hockey. Hannah Bilka led the charge for Team USA with two goals, while Caroline Harvey, Kirsten Simms, and Laila Edwards each contributed one. The American offense showcased exceptional coordination and skill, outmaneuvering a Canadian side that struggled to find its rhythm throughout the game.

Following their undefeated run in the preliminary stage, Team USA is now poised to face host nation Italy in the quarterfinals on Friday at Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena. Projections from The Athletic now give the U.S. a 60 percent likelihood of winning the gold medal, a significant shift in their favor after this pivotal victory.

Canada Grapples with Poulin’s Absence

Canada’s performance was notably impacted by the absence of their captain, Marie-Philip Poulin, who sustained a lower-body injury in a previous game against the Czech Republic. Head coach Troy Ryan acknowledged Poulin’s irreplaceable presence, noting its effect on the team’s power play, penalty kill, and crucial face-off wins. Despite the setback, Ryan expressed optimism about Poulin’s potential return later in the tournament, though her participation in Canada’s upcoming game against Finland is doubtful.

Canadian players also reflected on the challenging loss. Jocelyne Larocque, while acknowledging the non-ideal outcome, emphasized the team’s resolve to learn and improve. Brianne Jenner, who wore the captain’s ‘C’ in Poulin’s absence, attributed the struggles to poor puck management and a failure to capitalize on opportunities. Canada will now regroup for their quarterfinal match, which is four days away, aiming to integrate Poulin back into the lineup when she is fully recovered.

Record-Setting Performances and Rising Stars

Individual achievements further underscored Team USA’s strong showing. Veteran forward Hilary Knight, participating in her fifth Olympics, was credited with a secondary assist on Caroline Harvey’s goal, tying Jenny Potter’s United States Olympic record with 32 career points (14 goals, 18 assists). Knight is now on the cusp of breaking the record for most Olympic goals by an American, currently shared with Natalie Darwitz and Katie King. Teammates, including 22-year-old Haley Winn, lauded Knight as a mentor and an inspiring leader.

Caroline Harvey also had a standout night with a goal and two assists, bringing her total to seven points (two goals, five assists) and tying her for the tournament scoring lead with Germany’s Laura Kluge. Additionally, Abbey Murphy played a pivotal role, tallying three assists and drawing four of Canada’s five penalties, showcasing her skill and ability to disrupt the opposition. The eight Olympic debutants for Team USA, including Hannah Bilka, Joy Dunne, Laila Edwards, and Kirsten Simms, have also made significant contributions, combining for four goals and two assists in this game alone.

Team USA’s commanding victory over their fiercest rival not only marks a significant milestone in the 2026 Winter Olympics but also provides crucial momentum and confidence as they advance to the knockout stages, fueling their pursuit of a highly anticipated gold medal.