Hockey Canada has announced that the annual Canada-U.S. women’s hockey Rivalry Series will wrap up with two games in Edmonton this season. The matches, scheduled for December 10 and 13, will serve as the final preparation before the Olympics in Italy in February, where Team Canada aims to defend their Olympic gold medal from Beijing in 2022.
Canadian GM Gina Kingsbury expressed excitement for the upcoming games, highlighting the significance of playing in front of the home crowd, especially for younger fans eager to support their hockey heroes in person. Unlike previous seasons where Olympic hopefuls were centralized in one location, this year players will balance their commitments with the PWHL season, which kicks off training camps in November.
The Canadian team will have limited time together, with only four Rivalry Series games and three national-team training blocks. The first training block was held in Calgary, followed by another set to begin in Toronto. The final block, starting in Montreal at the end of October, will lead into the first leg of the Rivalry Series hosted by the United States in Cleveland and Buffalo.
The PWHL has become a crucial evaluation tool for selecting the Olympic team, prompting changes in the team’s training and preparation approach. With only four national-team games before the Olympics, the focus will be on practice and team-building off the ice. Captain Marie-Philip Poulin will lead the team, aiming for her fourth Olympic gold medal. Meanwhile, young talents like 18-year-old Chloe Primerano are vying for spots on the team.
The Rivalry Series will see Canada facing a strong American team filled with promising young players who are likely to be top PWHL draft picks in the future. Led by Hilary Knight in her final Olympic tournament, the American team will provide tough competition. The Canadian leg of the Rivalry Series will be held at Edmonton’s Rogers Place, with additional grassroots initiatives organized to engage the next generation of fans with Canada’s National Women’s Team.
The games are anticipated to be highly competitive, with both teams eager to showcase their skills and inspire fans. Hockey Canada aims to leave a lasting impact on the community while celebrating the sport of women’s hockey.