In a stunning display of dominance, the United States women’s hockey team routed Canada 5-0 in the preliminary round of the 2026 Winter Olympics, securing the largest margin of victory ever for the U.S. over its northern rival in Olympic history and handing Canada its first-ever shutout in Olympic women’s hockey.
The historic win came on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan, Italy, where the U.S. team showcased its speed and skill from the opening faceoff. Forward Hannah Bilka led the scoring with two goals, while Caroline Harvey contributed a goal and two assists, setting the tone for the Americans’ offensive onslaught. This victory not only clinched first place in Group A for the U.S. but also extended their winning streak against Canada to seven consecutive meetings, including pre-Olympic exhibitions and world championship games.
Canada, missing its captain and key player Marie-Philip Poulin due to a lower-body injury sustained in a previous game, struggled to find its footing throughout the match. Head coach Troy Ryan acknowledged the team’s poor performance, citing irresponsible puck management and a lack of confidence on the ice. Despite Poulin’s absence, Ryan expressed optimism that she would return for the playoffs, but the loss highlighted vulnerabilities in the Canadian squad that will need addressing as they advance.
The U.S. defense was impenetrable, with goaltender Aerin Frankel stopping all 20 shots she faced to earn her second shutout of the tournament. Frankel credited her teammates for making her job easier, praising their reliability and teamwork. The defensive effort was complemented by offensive contributions from newcomers like Laila Edwards, who scored her first Olympic goal and made history as the first Black woman to represent the U.S. in women’s hockey at the Games.
Captain Hilary Knight, a five-time Olympian, added an assist to tie the U.S. record for career Olympic points with 32, showcasing the blend of experience and youth on the roster. The team’s depth was evident as seven college players, including stars from the University of Wisconsin and University of Minnesota, played pivotal roles in the victory. This mix of veterans and rising talents has propelled the U.S. to a dominant start, outscoring opponents 20-1 in four preliminary games.
After the game, U.S. head coach John Wroblewski cautioned against overconfidence, comparing the journey to climbing Mount Everest and emphasizing the challenges ahead. The Americans are now set to face Italy in the quarterfinals on February 13, while Canada will play Finland in its final group stage match before the playoffs. Both teams are expected to meet again in the gold medal game on February 19, setting the stage for a potential rematch.
The victory has significant implications for the Olympic tournament, reinforcing the U.S. as the favorite for gold and putting pressure on Canada to regroup. Analysts like NBC Sports’ Angela Ruggiero have called this American team the best they’ve ever seen, citing their cohesive play and statistical dominance. For the U.S., this win builds momentum and confidence, but as Wroblewski noted, the hardest part is still to come in the knockout rounds.
In other Olympic women’s hockey action on Tuesday, Sweden shut out Japan 4-0, Germany edged Italy 2-1, and Finland defeated Switzerland 3-1, shaping the playoff bracket. The U.S. performance, however, stood out as a landmark moment in the storied rivalry with Canada, one that will be remembered for its historical significance and the statement it made about the current state of women’s hockey.
As the Olympics progress, all eyes will be on whether the U.S. can maintain this level of play and secure its third gold medal in women’s hockey, while Canada seeks redemption. The rivalry, always intense, has been reignited by this lopsided win, promising thrilling matchups in the days to come and highlighting the growth and competitiveness of the sport on the global stage.
