At a Glance
- The U.S. women’s ice hockey team announced its 23-player roster for the 2026 Olympics.
- 11 players return from 2022, 12 will debut.
- Group A opponents: Canada, Czech Republic, Finland, Switzerland.
- Why it matters: The lineup sets the stage for a bid for another gold.
By James O Connor Fields for News Of Philadelphia
Roster Highlights
The U.S. women’s ice hockey team announced its 23-player roster for the 2026 Olympics, featuring stars like Hilary Knight, Kendall Coyne Schofield, and Lee Stecklein. 11 players return from the 2022 Games, while 12 will make their Olympic debuts. The lineup includes 20 skaters and 3 goaltenders.
Key Players
Hilary Knight aims to earn her fifth Olympic medal in her fifth appearance, already holding one gold and three silvers, and she also captained Team USA to gold at the 2025 World Championships. Kendall Coyne Schofield wore the “C” in Beijing, recording three goals and three assists as the U.S. earned silver. Lee Stecklein anchors the defense.
Group A Schedule
Team USA faces Canada, Czech Republic, Finland, and Switzerland in Group A. Defender Laila Edwards is slated to play against Canada in the final group game.
| Opponent | Date & Time (ET) |
|---|---|
| Czech Republic | Feb 5, 10:40 a.m. |
| Finland | Feb 7, 10:40 a.m. |
| Switzerland | Feb 9, 2:40 p.m. |
| Canada | Feb 10, 2:10 p.m. |
The gold medal game will be played on Feb 19.
Historical Context
In the last four Olympic gold medal games, Canada has won 2010, 2014, and 2022, while the U.S. won 2018. In the last five World Championship finals, Canada has a 3-2 edge over the U.S. with titles in 2021, 2022, and 2024, and the U.S. in 2023 and 2025. Tessa Janecke scored the overtime winner in 2025, and since 1998 the U.S. has earned 2 golds, 4 silvers, and 1 bronze.
Key Takeaways
- The roster blends experience and fresh talent for a strong Olympic run.
- Group A matchups pit the U.S. against Canada, the Czech Republic, Finland, and Switzerland.
- Historical rivalry highlights Canada’s recent dominance, but the U.S. remains a formidable contender.
The roster sets the stage for a competitive campaign as the U.S. seeks to add another gold to its Olympic legacy.
