The Canadian women’s hockey team is gearing up for the Rivalry Series with 25 players set to compete in a crucial test ahead of the upcoming Olympics. The series, which kicks off in Cleveland, Ohio, will serve as a significant opportunity for players vying for a spot on the Olympic roster to showcase their skills and build chemistry.
Hockey Canada is strategically using the four-game series to experiment with different line combinations and assess player chemistry before the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan, Italy. General Manager Gina Kingsbury emphasized the importance of fine-tuning the team’s on-ice identity and focusing on key details for success.
In a departure from traditional centralized training, 30 Olympic hopefuls have participated in training blocks across the country this fall. Notable players on the 25-player roster for the Rivalry Series include defender Chloe Primerano, forward Caitlin Kraemer, and goaltender Ève Gascon, all eyeing their first Olympic team selection.
Veterans like Marie-Philip Poulin, Blayre Turnbull, and Natalie Spooner will lead the team in the initial Rivalry Series games, with tough decisions expected in finalizing the roster. The team will evaluate players like Emerance Maschmeyer, Kayle Osborne, and Gascon for goaltending roles while aiming to select the final 23-player Olympic roster.
As the Rivalry Series unfolds, Head Coach Troy Ryan is focused on observing the team’s chemistry and performance under pressure. The upcoming PWHL training camps will further shape the team dynamics, providing a platform for players to demonstrate their skills and form crucial bonds ahead of the Olympics.