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Olympic Women's Hockey: Canada and USA Dominate Preliminary Round

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. y-canada-and-usa-dominate-preliminary-round.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, February 10th 2026 at 18:15 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: UNITED STATES, CANADA, FINLAND, SWEDEN, JAPAN, SWITZERLAND, CHINA, DENMARK

Milan, Italy - February 10, 2026 - The ice is set, the puck has dropped, and the preliminary round of the 2026 Winter Olympic Women's Hockey Tournament is already delivering thrilling action. As the competition enters its second phase, the picture of potential medal contenders is beginning to sharpen, with perennial powerhouses Canada and the United States continuing to demonstrate their dominance, while emerging nations are vying for a place in the knockout stages.

Preliminary Round Recap

The tournament, hosted in Milan, kicked off with a series of compelling matchups. Through the games played on February 10th, 11th, and 12th, we've seen clear indications of which teams are poised to advance. Canada secured wins against both Japan and Czechia, reaffirming their status as tournament favorites. The United States mirrored this success with victories over Switzerland and China, showcasing their offensive firepower and strong defensive structure. Finland and Sweden also established themselves as strong contenders, securing wins against Denmark and Germany respectively. A surprising result saw Denmark upset Finland, injecting some unpredictability into Group C.

Here's a quick look at the preliminary round results so far:

• February 10, 2026: Canada defeated Japan, United States defeated Switzerland, Finland defeated Denmark, Sweden defeated Germany.
• February 11, 2026: Czechia defeated Republic of Korea, China defeated Norway, Germany defeated Sweden, Canada defeated Czechia.
• February 12, 2026: Japan defeated Republic of Korea, Norway defeated Switzerland, Denmark defeated Finland, United States defeated China.

Bracket Breakdown and Knockout Stage Qualification

The tournament's format divides the 12 participating nations into three groups of four. The top two teams from each group automatically qualify for the quarterfinal round. Adding another layer of competition, the two best third-place teams will also advance, ensuring a thrilling conclusion to the preliminary stage. The current standings suggest a fierce battle for those remaining knockout spots. Teams like Norway and Czechia, despite facing tough competition, are positioning themselves well to potentially claim one of those coveted positions.

Current Group Standings (as of February 12, 2026 - subject to change):

• Group A: Canada (2-0), Czechia (1-1), Japan (1-1), Republic of Korea (0-2)
• Group B: United States (2-0), Norway (1-1), Switzerland (0-2), China (1-1)
• Group C: Finland (1-1), Sweden (1-1), Denmark (1-1), Germany (1-1)

Key Players Shining on the Olympic Stage

The tournament has already showcased the incredible talent within the women's game. Marie-Philip Poulin of Canada continues to be a dominant force, leading her team with both skill and experience. Alex Carpenter of the United States is proving to be a consistent threat to opposing goaltenders, adding to the US team's scoring depth. On the defensive side, Jenni Hiirikoski of Finland continues to demonstrate why she's considered one of the best shutdown defenders in the world.

Beyond these established stars, several new faces are making an impact. Keep an eye on the rising stars from Japan and Czechia, as they represent a new wave of talent challenging the traditional hockey powers. These players are not just competing; they are inspiring a new generation of hockey players in their respective countries.

Looking Ahead: The Knockout Round

The quarterfinal round is scheduled for February 14th, promising intense matchups and high-stakes hockey. The semifinals will follow on February 16th, setting the stage for the gold medal game on February 18th. Experts predict a Canada vs. USA final, but the unpredictability of tournament play means that any team with a strong goaltender and a bit of luck could make a run for the championship.

Knockout Round Schedule:

• February 14, 2026: Quarterfinals
• February 16, 2026: Semifinals
• February 18, 2026: Gold Medal Game

How to Watch

Fans can catch all the action live on [broadcaster details] and through streaming services on [streaming platform details]. Don't miss a moment of this thrilling Olympic tournament as the world's best women's hockey players battle for glory!