Wisconsin's Caroline Harvey leads USA women's hockey to dominant Olympic start

Badgers defenseman helps Team USA cruise through preliminary rounds with 17 unanswered goals

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The USA women's hockey team finished the 2026 Winter Olympic preliminary rounds with 17 unanswered goals, and Wisconsin Badgers defenseman Caroline Harvey was a big contributor. Harvey scored the first goal in a 5-0 rout over Canada, and the University of Wisconsin is well represented in the sport with 12 current and former Badgers playing for three different countries.

Why it matters

The strong performance by the USA women's hockey team, led by Wisconsin standout Caroline Harvey, has generated excitement among American fans and showcases the depth of talent in the program, especially from the University of Wisconsin which has produced a large contingent of Olympians.

The details

In the preliminary round game against Canada, Harvey scored the opening goal to set the tone for the 5-0 rout. The USA women's hockey team finished the preliminary rounds with 17 unanswered goals, dominating their opponents. Harvey said she could feel the support of Badgers fans all the way from Wisconsin, and the University of Wisconsin is well represented in the sport with 12 current and former Badgers playing for three different countries.

  • On Tuesday night, Feb. 10, at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, Harvey scored the first goal in the 5-0 win over Canada.
  • Team USA finished 4-0 in preliminary play and advanced to the quarterfinals, with matches that take place Feb. 13 and 14, followed by semifinals Feb. 16 and the bronze- and gold-medal games Feb. 19.

The players

Caroline Harvey

A Wisconsin Badgers defenseman who led the USA women's hockey team to a dominant preliminary round finish at the Winter Olympics.

Kirsten Simms

A University of Wisconsin forward representing Team USA at the Winter Olympics.

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What they’re saying

“Have had some wonderful Badger fans reach out and really feel their support here all the way in Italy. It's been sweet having those messages.”

— Caroline Harvey

“It's been unbelievable. I mean, the fans are great. The atmosphere, it's so fun out there. I love the ice and they did a great job decorating it with all Milano, the Olympic rings. It's been cool. Feels very big and loud. So we've been enjoying it.”

— Caroline Harvey

“Yeah, it's a testament to how our program has been over the years. I mean, it's not only the alumni that's been there but current players as well.”

— Kirsten Simms, University of Wisconsin forward

What’s next

Team USA will play Italy in the quarterfinals on February 13 or 14.

The takeaway

The strong performance by the USA women's hockey team, led by Wisconsin standout Caroline Harvey, has generated excitement among American fans and showcases the depth of talent in the program, especially from the University of Wisconsin which has produced a large contingent of Olympians.