The rivalry between the United States and Canada in women’s hockey intensified in 2025, with Canada winning only one out of eight matches against its long-standing opponent. The U.S. emerged victorious in two clashes during the world championship in April, including a thrilling 4-3 overtime triumph in the final. In November and December, the Americans dominated the Rivalry Series, triumphing in all four games with a combined score of 24-7.
The fierce competition between the two nations has a rich history, with the U.S. claiming victory in six consecutive encounters after sharing the previous season’s Rivalry Series. Looking ahead to the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy, Canadian forward Brianne Jenner expressed confidence in her team’s ability to defend the gold medal. She emphasized the team’s unity, trust, and belief in each other as key strengths.
Marie-Philip Poulin, Canada’s captain and the 2025 International Ice Hockey Federation’s female player of the year, echoed Jenner’s sentiments, acknowledging the work ahead while maintaining a positive outlook. The preparation dynamics for both teams have been significantly impacted by the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), which kicked off its third season in November.
Canada’s traditional team-based approach, built on months of training and extensive match play, faced a shift due to the evolving landscape of women’s hockey and the introduction of the PWHL. The selection process for Canada’s 23-player Olympic roster, comprising three goalies and 20 skaters, heavily considers players’ performances in the league alongside their national team contributions. Gina Kingsbury, Canada’s general manager, highlighted the league’s role in shaping the final roster and emphasized the thorough evaluation process in player selection.
As both countries navigate the challenges posed by the PWHL and the quest for Olympic success, the specter of injuries looms large with the intense competition and increased game frequency. Despite the uncertainties, the teams remain focused on their preparations, with flexibility in roster adjustments allowed up to the commencement of the Olympic tournament. The message of readiness and adaptability resonates with all players, ensuring a dynamic and competitive environment leading up to the games.