Canada's participation in the Milano Cortina 2026 Games commenced on a high note, as the women's hockey team secured a decisive 4-0 victory over Switzerland in their opening game of the preliminary round. This match marked a significant debut for the team, showcasing their determination and skill on the international stage.
Star player Sarah Fillier played a crucial role in the victory, notching a goal and an assist. Her impressive performance included a power-play goal early in the third period, where she capitalized on a rebound off the boards. Fillier's goal showcased her keen awareness and precision as she made a well-placed pass into the empty side of the net, extending Canada's lead.
The scoring began in the second period with Natalie Spooner, who was added as the 13th forward specifically for her power-play expertise, opening the scoring with another power-play goal. Spooner's inclusion in the lineup proved vital as she effectively utilized her skills to benefit the team's strategy. This was a promising development, especially considering the challenges Canada faced during the 2025 Rivalry Series against the United States, where their power-play effectiveness was highlighted as a weakness.
Julia Gosling further demonstrated Canada's dominance by adding a third goal on power play, reinforcing the team's offensive capabilities. The success of Canada's special teams during this matchup contrasted sharply with their previous struggles. This marked a clear improvement, illustrating the team's commitment to refining their strategies and addressing past shortcomings.
The final goal came from Daryl Watts, who also made her Olympic debut during the match. Her late goal in the third period not only solidified the team's commanding lead but also added to the overall excitement of her first Olympic appearance. This reflected the depth and talent present within the Canadian roster, highlighting their ability to perform under pressure.
Defensively, Emerance Maschmeyer stood tall in goal, recording a shutout for Canada. This victory marked her second Olympic shutout, building upon her previous success at the Beijing 2022 Games, where she achieved a similar feat against Sweden in a quarterfinal matchup. Maschmeyer's exceptional performance was crucial, as her presence in net limited Switzerland's scoring opportunities significantly.
On the other end of the rink, Switzerland's goaltender, Saskia Maurer, faced an onslaught of shots, making an impressive 51 saves throughout the game. Despite her valiant effort, the team was heavily outshot by Canada, who dominated the score sheet with a staggering 55-6 advantage in shots taken. This statistic underscores the disparity in offensive pressure exerted by Canada and reflects the effectiveness of their attacking strategy.
The commanding victory against Switzerland not only sets a positive tone for Canada's women's hockey team in the Milano Cortina 2026 Games but also provides a strong foundation for the ongoing tournament. With this match serving as an essential stepping stone, the team will look to build on their strengths and continue their pursuit of gold in the upcoming matches.
