At a Glance
- USA announces 23-player roster for the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics.
- Key names include Hilary Knight, Kendall Coyne Schofield, and Lee Stecklein.
- 11 returning players from 2022 Games and 12 Olympic debutants.
- Why it matters: The lineup determines Team USA’s path to gold against a dominant Canada.
Team USA’s women’s ice hockey squad has been finalized ahead of the 2026 Winter Games in Milan Cortina, with a mix of veteran leaders and fresh talent poised to challenge Canada for the coveted gold medal.
Roster Overview
The 23-player roster is split into 20 skaters and 3 goaltenders.
- Forwards: 13 players, including Hilary Knight and Kendall Coyne Schofield.
- Defensemen: 7 players, featuring Lee Stecklein.
- Goalies: 3, led by Aerin Frankel.
Key Players
- Hilary Knight aims for her fifth Olympic medal in her fifth appearance, already holding one gold and three silvers.
- Kendall Coyne Schofield scored six points (3G,3A) in Beijing and captained the 2025 world championship gold team.
- Laila Edwards will be a new addition, joining the squad as a forward.
Group A Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Feb. 5 | Czech Republic | 10:40 a.m. |
| Feb. 7 | Finland | 10:40 a.m. |
| Feb. 9 | Switzerland | 2:40 p.m. |
| Feb. 10 | Canada | 2:10 p.m. |
Team USA will face Canada, the Czech Republic, Finland, and Switzerland in Group A before the medal rounds.
Historical Context
- Team USA has 2 golds, 4 silvers, and 1 bronze since women’s ice hockey debuted in 1998.
- Canada has 3 golds (2010, 2014, 2022) and 2 silvers (2018, 2026) in Olympic finals.
- The 2025 world championship saw Tessa Janecke score the overtime winner in a 4-3 victory over Canada.
Key Takeaways
- The roster blends experience and new talent, setting up a tough contest against Canada.
- 11 returning players give Team USA a solid foundation for Olympic success.
- Group A schedule pits the U.S. against top European teams before the gold medal match on Feb. 19.
The announcement marks the beginning of Team USA’s campaign to reclaim the gold medal in Milan Cortina.
