Team USA Women's Hockey Set for High-Stakes Showdown with Canada at Milano Cortina 2026

Team USA women's hockey will face their fiercest rival Canada on Tuesday, February 10 at 2:10 p.m. ET in what promises to be the most anticipated preliminary round matchup of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The Americans enter the game with a perfect 3-0 record and momentum from a dominant 5-0 shutout victory over Switzerland on Monday, showcasing the offensive firepower and defensive discipline that has made them gold medal favorites.

The United States has been absolutely dominant through their first three games of the tournament, outscoring opponents by a combined 15-1 margin while recording back-to-back shutouts. Caroline Harvey and Joy Dunne led the offensive charge against Switzerland, each contributing one goal and two assists in the commanding performance. The defensive unit, anchored by stellar goaltending, has allowed just a single goal through three games, establishing the Americans as the team to beat in Milano Cortina.

This preliminary round clash carries enormous significance beyond just group standings. Canada and the United States are the only two nations to have won gold in women's ice hockey since the sport was added to the Olympic program in 1998. The Americans captured the inaugural tournament in Nagano before enduring four consecutive Canadian gold medal runs. Team USA broke through again in 2018 at Pyeongchang, setting up a rivalry that has defined women's hockey at the highest level for nearly three decades.

The winner of Tuesday's matchup will gain crucial psychological momentum and likely secure top seeding heading into the medal rounds. Both teams have dominated their respective preliminary opponents, making this the first true test for either squad. Canada's physical style and playoff experience will be countered by the Americans' speed and offensive depth, creating a fascinating tactical battle that could preview the gold medal game.

Team USA's roster features a blend of Olympic veterans and talented newcomers who have embraced the pressure of competing for gold on the world's biggest stage. The coaching staff has expertly managed ice time and line combinations through the preliminary rounds, keeping players fresh for the crucial stretch run. With Canada looming as the only obstacle between the Americans and a perfect preliminary round, Tuesday's game represents the moment where champions are forged.

The game will be broadcast live with the winner establishing themselves as the clear favorite to stand atop the podium when medals are awarded later in the tournament. For hockey fans worldwide, this preliminary round showdown offers a preview of the intensity and skill that makes women's Olympic hockey one of the Winter Games' premier events.