Always heated, the stakes in the latest Rivalry Series are even higher.
The U.S. women’s hockey games against archrival Canada this week are the final chance for coaches to evaluate players before the 2026 Olympic team is named next month. There are 30 players on the Rivalry Series roster, 27 skaters and three goaltenders.
But Olympic rosters have only 23 spots, with three going to goaltenders, so you do the math.
“I remember in 2022 for the process, I was like, ‘I just want to get there.’ I didn’t take advantage of the team bonding, of the team dinners, of the practices. I didn’t see it as one step at a time. I saw it as one big leap,” said forward Taylor Heise, one of the last cuts ahead of the Beijing Olympics.
“Now I’m taking advantage of being here, every time you’re together. It’s such an honor because you never know what it’s going to be a last time,” Heise added. “Many people can say that, but until you have had it taken away from you, it’s really hard to understand.”
The USA won the first two games, 4-1 and 6-1. Here’s what to know about the latest Rivalry Series games, including how to watch:
The USA and Canada will play at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta. The teams will play again in Edmonton at 9 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13.
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