Best-on-best hockey in the NHL is finally back with the 4 Nations Face-Off starting on Feb. 12. But for women’s hockey, elite international competition has never left the spotlight.
Less than one year ago, Canada beat the U.S. in one of the most entertaining gold medal games at the 2024 women’s world championship. At the 2022 Olympics, Canada put together one of the most dominant tournaments ever, going undefeated and breaking several records en route to a gold medal.
With an established core of players either still in their prime or close to it, it’s fair to expect a roster of familiar faces at the 2026 Milan Olympics — which are now only one year away.
The biggest question about Canada’s roster isn’t about who will be at the top of the lineup. We can write plenty of names in permanent ink. Captain Marie-Philip Poulin will certainly be there, even if she will only say “hopefully I can make it.”
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The big debates are focused on the bottom half of the lineup. Should Canada opt for youth or experience? Skill or a steady veteran? Who will make their Olympic debut? And who might be the final cuts?
There’s always an element of guesswork in an exercise like this,…
