Canada Secures Silver in Women’s Hockey at Milano Cortina 2026
On February 19, 2026, Canada achieved a silver medal in women’s hockey at the Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games. The team faced the United States in the gold medal match, ultimately losing 2-1 in overtime at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena.
Key Highlights of the Women’s Hockey Final
The match showcased Canada’s resilience, with Kristin O’Neill scoring their only goal. Goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens protected the net but struggled against a strong American offense. This event adds to Canada’s impressive Olympic history in women’s hockey, marking five gold medals and three silvers since the sport’s inclusion in 1998.
Route to the Gold Medal Game
- Quarterfinal: Canada defeated Germany 5-1.
- Semifinal: Canada edged past Switzerland with a tight 2-1 win, where captain Marie-Philip Poulin scored twice, becoming the all-time leading goal scorer in Olympic women’s hockey.
During the preliminary rounds, Canada finished with a 3-1 record, suffering their only loss to the United States, where they were outshot 5-0.
Highlights from the Final Match
In the gold medal game, Canada started strong. Early in the first period, the team had opportunities during a power play but could not capitalize. Shots were 8-6 in favor of Canada by the end of the first period, marking an improvement from their previous encounter with the United States.
O’Neill scored just 54 seconds into the second period, giving Canada a 1-0 lead. However, the United States equalized in the closing moments with a goal from Hilary Knight, sending the game into overtime.
Overtime Drama
In the exciting three-on-three overtime, Megan Keller scored the winning goal just over four minutes in, securing gold for the United States.
Overall Performance and Statistics
Throughout the tournament, Canada demonstrated their strength and skill on the ice:
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| Quarterfinal vs. Germany | Win 5-1 |
| Semifinal vs. Switzerland | Win 2-1 |
| Final vs. USA | Loss 2-1 (OT) |
This silver medal achievement solidifies Canada as a perennial powerhouse in women’s hockey at the Olympic level, continuing a storied rivalry with the United States that has captivated fans worldwide.
