USA Shocks Canada with Historic 5-0 Win in PWHL Olympics

Key player milestones and quarterfinals set for Milano Cortina 2026

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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At the Women's Ice Hockey Tournament during the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, the United States team stunned Canada with a commanding 5-0 victory on Tuesday. This game, part of the preliminary round, made history as the largest margin of victory ever recorded against Canada in Olympic women's hockey and featured standout performances from key PWHL athletes.

Why it matters

The United States' historic win over Canada highlights the growing global impact and competitive depth of PWHL Olympic women's hockey. This match-up signals the evolving landscape of the sport, where emerging stars and seasoned veterans are shaping its future on the world stage.

The details

Seattle forward Hannah Bilka led the scoring for the United States, supported by assists from Britta Curl-Salemme (MIN), Hilary Knight (SEA), and Haley Winn (BOS). Goalkeeper Aerin Frankel's shutout marked a milestone as she became just the ninth goaltender and fourth American to record two shutouts in a single Olympic tournament. Meanwhile, Canada's netminders, Montréal's Ann-Renée Desbiens and Vancouver's Emerance Maschmeyer, combined for 28 saves but suffered a rare defeat. Canada faced the game without captain Marie-Philip Poulin, sidelined with a lower-body injury sustained in a prior match against Czechia.

  • On Tuesday, the United States defeated Canada 5-0 in the preliminary round of the Women's Ice Hockey Tournament at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.

The players

Hannah Bilka

A forward for the Seattle team who led the scoring for the United States in the historic win over Canada.

Aerin Frankel

The Boston goaltender who recorded a shutout, becoming just the ninth goaltender and fourth American to achieve two shutouts in a single Olympic tournament.

Ann-Renée Desbiens

The Montréal goaltender who, along with Vancouver's Emerance Maschmeyer, combined for 28 saves but suffered a rare defeat against the United States.

Marie-Philip Poulin

The Canadian team captain who was sidelined with a lower-body injury sustained in a prior match against Czechia.

Hilary Knight

The Seattle player who provided an assist in the United States' victory over Canada.

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What they’re saying

“This game, part of the preliminary round, made history as the largest margin of victory ever recorded against Canada in Olympic women's hockey and featured standout performances from key PWHL athletes.”

— Quaneshia Perkins, Author (theconwaybulletin.com)

What’s next

The United States will now face Italy in the quarterfinals, while Canada must secure at least one point when they take on Finland in their final preliminary game to guarantee second place in Group A.

The takeaway

The United States' historic win over Canada highlights the growing global impact and competitive depth of PWHL Olympic women's hockey, where emerging stars and seasoned veterans are shaping the sport's future on the world stage.