Honestly, if you haven't been paying attention to women’s ice hockey team USA lately, you’ve missed a total transformation. Forget what you remember from the Beijing or Pyeongchang cycles. The vibe is just different now. We aren't just talking about a group of college stars coming together for a few weeks of practice anymore. For the first time ever, these women are coming off a full, grueling professional season in the PWHL before heading to Italy for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
It changes everything. The speed, the physicality, and the sheer "game-readiness" of this squad are on another level.
The 2026 Olympic Roster: A New Era
The roster for the Milano Cortina 2026 Games was just finalized in early January, and it’s a fascinating mix of legendary veterans and absolute "new-blood" phenoms. You’ve got Hilary Knight—basically the LeBron of women’s hockey—heading into her fifth Olympics at 36 years old. She’s looking for her fifth medal, and let’s be real, she wants that gold back after the heartbreak of 2022.
But look at the youth. Out of the 23 players selected by head coach John Wroblewski, 12 are making their Olympic debut. That’s more than half the team.
One name you’re going to hear a ton is Laila Edwards. She’s 21, plays for the University of Wisconsin, and she’s making history as the first Black woman to ever play for Team USA in the Winter Olympics. She isn't just a "roster filler" either; she was the MVP of the 2024 World Championships. She’s huge, she’s fast, and she’s exactly the kind of nightmare for defenders that the U.S. has been craving.
Who’s On the Plane to Italy?
Instead of a boring list, just look at where these players are coming from. The "Wisconsin Americans" is a real nickname for a reason—six players on this roster come from the University of Wisconsin program.
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- The PWHL Core: 16 players are currently active in the Professional Women's Hockey League. Most of them are coming from the Minnesota Frost (6 players) and the Seattle Torrent (4 players).
- The NCAA Contingent: Every single player on this roster has NCAA experience. This is the ultimate "College to Pro" pipeline.
- The Goaltending Wall: Aerin Frankel (Boston Fleet) is likely the starter, but Gwyneth Philips and Ava McNaughton are right there. Frankel was nearly the MVP of the last Worlds before she got banged up in the final.
That Rivalry with Canada is Getting Weird
We have to talk about the Rivalry Series. If you missed the games in late 2025, you missed a bloodbath. In December 2025, women’s ice hockey team USA did something they had never done in the history of the program: they put 10 goals past Canada.
10 to 4. In a rivalry where games are usually decided by a single goal in overtime, a 10-4 blowout is insane. Abbey Murphy and Kelly Pannek each tucked two goals in that game. It wasn't just a win; it was a statement. It feels like the gap that Canada had opened up between 2021 and 2022 has not only closed but might be swinging the other way.
The U.S. won the 2025 World Championship in April with a dramatic overtime goal from Tessa Janecke. When you combine that gold medal with the recent Rivalry Series dominance, the Americans are entering the 2026 Olympics as the clear favorites. But, as any hockey fan knows, Canada usually plays their best when their backs are against the wall.
Why the PWHL Matters for Team USA
Before the PWHL launched in 2024, the "national team" players were basically training in silos or playing in leagues that didn't have the same level of depth. Now? These women are playing against each other every single week.
Kendall Coyne Schofield is leading the PWHL in goals right now. She’s 33 and still the fastest person on the ice. Because she's playing high-stakes pro games every Tuesday and Saturday, she isn't "ramping up" for the Olympics. She’s already at 100%.
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The physicality has also ramped up. The PWHL allows more body contact than the international game used to, and you can see that translated into how the U.S. defenders like Megan Keller and Caroline Harvey play. They are meaner on the puck. They’re harder to play against.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Team
There’s this idea that women’s hockey is just "Canada and the US and then everyone else."
While that’s still mostly true for the gold medal, the gap is shrinking. Czechia has become a massive thorn in everyone's side. Team USA opens their Olympic schedule against Czechia on February 5th. If they go in thinking it's a cakewalk, they’ll get embarrassed.
Also, people think the "veterans" are just there for leadership. No. Alex Carpenter and Hilary Knight are still the ones driving the scoring. It’s not a "passing of the torch" yet; it’s more like the veterans are holding the torch and the rookies are bringing the gasoline.
The 2026 Olympic Schedule (EST)
- Feb 5: USA vs. Czechia (10:40 a.m.)
- Feb 7: USA vs. Finland (10:40 a.m.)
- Feb 9: USA vs. Switzerland (2:40 p.m.)
- Feb 10: USA vs. Canada (2:10 p.m.) – The one you cannot miss.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you want to actually follow women’s ice hockey team USA and not just check the score once the Olympics start, here is how you do it:
- Watch the PWHL: The league is on a break during the Olympics, but the games leading up to it are where the chemistry is built. Watch the Minnesota Frost or Seattle Torrent to see the Olympic core in action.
- Follow the "Big Three" on Socials: Hilary Knight, Kendall Coyne Schofield, and Taylor Heise are the voices of this team. They post behind-the-scenes content that you won't get on NBC.
- Peacock is your friend: Every single Olympic match is streaming on Peacock. If you want to see the preliminary games (which are usually high-scoring affairs for the U.S.), that's your only real option.
- Look for Caroline Harvey: If you’re a tactical nerd, watch #4 on defense. She’s 23 and plays with the vision of a 15-year NHL vet. She is the future of the American blue line.
The 2026 squad is probably the most "complete" team USA has ever sent to the ice. They have the legendary scoring of the 2010s, the speed of the 2018 gold-medal team, and a professional edge that didn't exist four years ago.
Mark February 10th on your calendar. That U.S. vs. Canada game in Milan is going to be a war.
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Next Steps:
- Add the February 10th USA vs. Canada game to your calendar now; Olympic puck drop times are often early in the morning for U.S. viewers.
- Check the current PWHL standings to see which Team USA stars are heading into the Olympic break with the most momentum.
- Watch highlights of the 2025 World Championship final to see Tessa Janecke’s "golden goal" and understand the high-pressure style this team plays.