Poulin and Nurse Lead Canada’s Women’s Olympic Hockey Team Roster
Canada’s women’s hockey team is set to defend their Olympic gold medal at the upcoming 2026 Milan Cortina Games. The roster features 23 players, with a strong core of 16 athletes returning from the 2022 Olympics. This deep experience will be crucial as they face their longtime rivals, the United States.
Key Details of Canada’s Women’s Olympic Hockey Team
The team, announced by Hockey Canada in Toronto, includes:
- 13 forwards
- 7 defenders
- 3 goaltenders
The games will begin on February 5, 2026, with Canada facing Finland. The team is also scheduled to play:
- Switzerland on February 7
- Czechia on February 9
- The United States on February 10
All teams in Group A, which includes the top five seeds, will compete for a place in the quarterfinals. Group B consists of Sweden, Germany, Japan, France, and host Italy. Semifinals are slated for February 16, concluding with medal games on February 19.
Historical Context
Canada has a storied history in Olympic women’s hockey, securing five gold medals since its inception in 1998. They won their most recent gold at the Beijing Olympics, defeating the U.S. in a tightly contested 3-2 final. However, the U.S. has also proven a formidable opponent, having won the last Rivalry Series, outscoring Canada 24-7.
Team Selection Process
General manager Gina Kingsbury and head coach Troy Ryan, who also coach the PWHL’s Toronto Sceptres, led the team selection. They collaborated with assistant coaches Kori Cheverie, Caroline Ouellette, and Britni Smith, among others. Kingsbury, a two-time Olympic champion, is joined by Ouellette, who has secured four gold medals, and Cherie Piper, a three-time champion.
Impact of PWHL Training
The Player’s Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is in its third season, impacting the traditional preparation for the Olympics. Training camps held from September to November saw 30 players invited, including 28 PWHL athletes. This shift marks a departure from the previous model where players relocated to Calgary for six months of intensive training.
Olympic Roster Overview
The finalized roster includes:
- Forwards: Emily Clark, Sarah Fillier, Jennifer Gardiner, Julia Gosling, Brianne Jenner, Emma Maltais, Sarah Nurse, Kristin O’Neill, Marie-Philip Poulin, Natalie Spooner, Laura Stacey, Blayre Turnbull, Daryl Watts.
- Defenders: Erin Ambrose, Renata Fast, Sophie Jaques, Jocelyne Larocque, Ella Shelton, Kati Tabin, Claire Thompson.
- Goaltenders: Ann-Renee Desbiens, Emerance Maschmeyer, Kayle Osborne.
In the lead-up to the Olympics, Canada aims to reclaim their title amidst rising competition from the U.S. and other nations. As they prepare for Milan, the experience and talent within their roster will be critical for success.
