Canada Make Winning Start, US Women Thump Finns, Germany and Sweden Triumph at Winter Olympics

Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics - Ice Hockey - Women's Preliminary Round - Group A - Switzerland vs Canada - Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena, Milan, Italy - February 07, 2026. Natalie Spooner of Canada celebrates scoring their first goal against Switzerland with teammates Alessandro Garofalo/Reuters

MILAN—Canada began their title defence with a 4–0 win over Switzerland and the U.S. crushed Finland 5–0 on Saturday in Group A of the women’s Olympic ice hockey tournament, while in Group B Germany secured their first win and hosts Italy suffered a heavy defeat.

Canada’s Olympic campaign was delayed as their opening match was postponed but they showed little rustiness by finishing off a gallant Swiss side with three goals in the final period.