Twenty-five athletes are set to participate in the upcoming Rivalry Series for the Canadian women’s hockey team, as Hockey Canada progresses towards finalizing the squad for the Olympics. As the countdown to the Olympics in Milan, Italy, reaches less than 100 days, the intense Canada-U.S. Rivalry Series will serve as a pivotal test for players vying for a spot on the Olympic roster.
This year’s Rivalry Series offers a unique opportunity for the team to explore different line combinations and team chemistry, given the limited four-game preparation window before the Olympics kick off in February. The competition will kick off in Cleveland, Ohio, on Thursday, followed by a game in Buffalo, N.Y., on Saturday.
The series will culminate with two games in Edmonton on December 10 and 13, where Hockey Canada is expected to introduce a fresh roster for the final phase of matches. Canadian GM Gina Kingsbury emphasized the significance of these games as a crucial benchmark in the lead-up to the 2026 Olympic Winter Games.
Traditionally, Olympic hopefuls would undergo centralized training for months, but Hockey Canada has adopted a new selection approach. Thirty potential Olympians have engaged in three training blocks across the country this fall, departing from the previous centralized training model.
The Rivalry Series roster for the U.S. leg comprises 25 players, including three NCAA athletes eyeing their debut Olympic appearance: Chloe Primerano, Caitlin Kraemer, and Ève Gascon. Notably, Primerano could become the youngest player to make the Olympic team since Marie-Philip Poulin in 2010.
Veteran players like Poulin, Blayre Turnbull, Sarah Fillier, Natalie Spooner, and Sarah Nurse will lead the offense during the initial Rivalry Series games. However, notable absences from the training camp roster include Emily Clark and Brianne Jenner.
The defensive lineup faces tough decisions, with returnees from the 2022 gold-winning team and contenders like Sophie Jaques vying for spots. The goaltending department will see Emerance Maschmeyer, Gascon, and Kayle Osborne in action as they compete for backup positions behind starter Ann-Renée Desbiens.
Coach Troy Ryan emphasized the importance of building team chemistry during training blocks, especially with limited game time before the Olympics. The PWHL training camps are set to commence shortly across the league, playing a pivotal role in the preparation and selection process for the Canadian team.
With only four games to prepare for the Olympics, the Canadian team aims to maximize their time together and solidify their strategies against their toughest opponents. The upcoming training camps and league matches will play a crucial role in shaping the final Olympic roster.
