The women’s hockey Rivalry Series returns tonight
The highly anticipated Rivalry Series between the Canadian and U.S. women’s national hockey teams kicks off tonight in San Jose, California. This five-game series is a chance for the top two teams in the world to showcase their skills outside of the world championships and the Olympics. The tour will continue in Utah and Idaho before concluding with two games in Atlantic Canada in February.
Canada and the U.S. have dominated international women’s hockey since the first world championship in 1990. They have faced off in the finals of 22 out of 23 world championships, with Canada holding a 13-10 lead in titles. Additionally, they have met in six out of seven Olympic gold-medal games, with Canada leading in gold medals 5-2.
The rivalry between these teams has produced some of the most memorable moments in Olympic hockey history. From heated accusations to celebratory cigar-smoking on the ice, the intense competition between Canada and the U.S. has created unforgettable moments for fans.
The Rivalry Series was created after the 2018 Olympics to give these teams more opportunities to play each other. While the intensity may be lower than at the Olympics, the series has still produced dramatic moments. In the past two years, Canada has rallied from 3-0 deficits to win the series.
This season, the Rivalry Series has been reduced to five games due to the players’ new priorities. Many of them now play in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), which debuted last year. The league has recognized the importance of the Rivalry Series by scheduling a break to accommodate the final two games in February.
The PWHL is creating new opportunities for Canadian and U.S. players, with training camps opening next week and the new season starting on November 30. The league will take a break in the spring to accommodate the world championship in the Czech Republic.
For more on the Rivalry Series and the impact of the PWHL on women’s hockey, check out this story from the Canadian Press. Stay tuned for more exciting matchups between Canada and the U.S. as they continue to showcase their skills on the ice.
