The 2022 Beijing Winter Games saw Canada earn a gold medal with an impressive 57-10 score. Canada is now the two-time defending world champs coming into the International Ice Hockey Federation tournament this week, but coach Troy Ryan doesn’t believe in putting too much stock into the idea of defending their title. He’s looking to have his team win again and have a winning mentality.
With the rough task of facing off against the Canadians in their home turf, the United States team is set up for success but with some big changes. They will be without their captain Kendall Coyne Schofield who is taking a break after announcing her pregnancy, and five of their skaters will also be making their world tournament debuts. The Canadians, on the other hand are stacked with experience and led by Captain Marie-Philip Poulin, who has four gold-medal clinching goals under her belt, as well as Sarah Nurse, Brianne Jenner and Danielle Serdachny.
Hilary Knight states that Team USA is eager to face any obstacle that comes their way, and she believes they haven’t yet seen their best team. Canada understands that the US is coming for them and goalie Ann-Renee Desbiens knows it. She is eager to have the bragging rights from beating the best team. The other anticipated battle is between the Czech Republic and Finland. The Czech Republic shockingly made it to the A Pool after beating Finland in 2020, and Finland is determined to prove that that result won’t happen again.
Overall, the stakes for the tournament are high, and all teams are aiming for a win against one of their biggest rivals. Canada is a favorite due to their team’s experience and will have to be caught if Team USA wants a chance at taking home the prize. It won’t be easy, but with the drive they have, they are definitely aiming to come out as the winner.
