Ice Cold Revenge: USA Delivers Historic 5-0 Silence to Canada at Milano Cortina
The USA women‘s ice hockey team produced a historic performance at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, as they shut out arch, rival Canada 5, 0 on their final preliminary game on February 10. This game, played at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, not only marked the first time in Olympic history that the USA has defeated Canada in a shutout but also set the record for the largest margin of victory between the two nations at the Olympics.
The result completed a 4, 0 record in preliminary round play for Team USA, who dominated the group stage with a 25, 1 goal differential. The win stretched the Americans’ winning streak over Canada to seven games, including a pre, Olympic Rivalry Series series late last year, and represented only their second loss in Olympic preliminary round play (their first was against the USA at Nagano 1998). Despite the setback, Canada faced a few obstacles to overcome, such as the absence of long, time captain Marie, Philip Poulin due to injury.
From the start of the game, it was all Team USA, as they dictated the pace with pressure, precision passing, and physicality, while Aerin Frankel made save after save to earn the shutout. The defense was disciplined, clogging shooting lanes and frustrating the Canadian attack with size and skill.
Hannah Bilka scored twice, demonstrating her speed and finishing touch. Caroline Harvey scored on an individual effort, while Kirsten Simms and Laila Edwards added single markers. Long, time captain Hilary Knight, likely in her final Olympic tournament, had a hand in the attack, scoring a goal and tying a U.S. Olympic record.
The result demonstrated the depth and confidence within the American program. While world, class players like Bilka, Edwards, Harvey, and the legendary Knight combined effectively with veteran leaders, Team USA suffocated the Canadians and prevented them from building any substantial pressure.
This win secured top seeding for the Americans in the medal rounds and bolstered their confidence heading into the elimination games. They are set to face host nation Italy in the quarterfinals on February 13 and hope to continue their journey to another potential gold, medal showdown against Canada or another country.
While Canadian fans will dearly feel the blow of the shutout, the women‘s tournament remains wide open for the medals. Both Canada and the USA are still medal contenders, whether they will be able to counter the American momentum remains to be seen. Women‘s hockey at these Games has been a display of elite skill and fierce rivalry, and the USA‘s current domination will be closely examined as the medal rounds near.
