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The Canadian women’s hockey team is preparing for their final two pre-Olympic matchups against the United States. These games are scheduled for December 10 and 13 at Rogers Place in Edmonton. They are critical in shaping the team’s strategy ahead of the upcoming Olympic Games in Milan-Cortina.
Both games will start at 9 p.m. ET, raising the stakes significantly. Canadian General Manager Gina Kingsbury emphasized the importance of these matches, stating, “These last two games are crucial in our preparations with the Milan Cortina Games less than 70 days away.” The anticipation surrounding these encounters is not only about the rivalry but also about finalizing a competitive roster.
Roster dynamics and key players
Out of the 30 players who participated in the training camps leading up to these pivotal games, a robust 25-player roster has been announced. Notably, 20 athletes from the previous leg of the rivalry series are returning, highlighting the team’s commitment to continuity and cohesion.
Among the returning athletes is forward Emily Clark, representing the Ottawa Charge, who will be making her debut in the Rivalry Series after recovering from an earlier injury. Additionally, veteran players Jocelyne Larocque and Brianne Jenner, both integral to Team Canada’s leadership structure, will also take to the ice, alongside starting goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens and rookie defender Nicole Gosling.
Injuries and roster changes
However, not all news is positive; Sarah Nurse from the Vancouver Goldeneyes will miss these crucial games due to a lower-body injury. Her absence could impact team dynamics, as she has been a key player in past encounters. The roster adjustments reflect the strategic decisions made by the coaching staff in light of player fitness and performance.
Interestingly, Hannah Miller, a forward from Vancouver, finds herself in a complex situation regarding her eligibility. Previously representing the Chinese team, her status was called into question by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). Hockey Canada is currently appealing this decision, adding another layer of intrigue to the series.
Recent performances and rivalry context
The U.S. currently leads the Rivalry Series 2-0, having decisively outperformed Canada in their last two matchups in Buffalo and Cleveland, with a combined score of 10-2. Such results have heightened the urgency for the Canadian team to regroup and strategize effectively.
“We are confident we have built a group that will give us a chance to be successful as we finish off the series in front of our fans and a hometown crowd,” Kingsbury stated, echoing the sentiments of many players eager to reclaim pride on home ice.
Looking ahead to the Olympics
With the Olympic roster slated for announcement in January, the upcoming games will serve as a crucial litmus test for the players vying for a spot on the Olympic team. The final 23-player squad will be finalized shortly before Canada’s opening match against Finland on February 5.
In anticipation of this critical phase, both the PWHL and NCAA competitions will factor into the evaluation of players’ performances. The PWHL, in particular, will pause for the rivalry series, resuming play on December 16, allowing players to showcase their skills on a larger stage.
Both games will start at 9 p.m. ET, raising the stakes significantly. Canadian General Manager Gina Kingsbury emphasized the importance of these matches, stating, “These last two games are crucial in our preparations with the Milan Cortina Games less than 70 days away.” The anticipation surrounding these encounters is not only about the rivalry but also about finalizing a competitive roster.0