Canada's women's hockey team secured a 4-0 victory over Switzerland in their first game of the 2026 Winter Olympics on Saturday. The win came after a postponement due to norovirus, with Canada dominating shots 50-6 and earning a shutout from goaltender Emerance Maschmeyer. Three power-play goals highlighted the match at Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena in Milan.
The game, originally scheduled for Thursday but delayed by illness concerns, began at 3:10 p.m. ET. Canada, seeking a sixth Olympic gold, controlled play from the start despite a scoreless first period where they outshot Switzerland 17-2. Switzerland's defense, led by goaltender Saskia Maurer, held firm early, with Maurer making key saves, including off attempts by Marie-Philip Poulin and Renata Fast.
In the second period, Canada broke through on their second power play. At 12:58, Natalie Spooner scored on a rebound from Poulin's shot, assisted by Sarah Fillier, giving Canada a 1-0 lead. Switzerland killed off another power play but faced mounting pressure, as Canada reached 24 shots by mid-period. The period ended 1-0, with shots 13-1 in the frame.
The third period saw Canada pull away with three goals. Sarah Fillier netted the second at 15:57 on a rebound during a power play, making it 2-0. Julia Gosling, a first-time Olympian, tipped in a shot at 6:24 for 3-0 on another power play, with assists from Claire Thompson and Erin Ambrose. Daryl Watts sealed the 4-0 win at 3:16, beating Maurer glove-side with assists from Sarah Nurse and Thompson.
Switzerland drew penalties but managed only six shots total, with Canada killing off their lone power play. Maurer finished with 51 saves and was named player of the game despite the loss. Canada, with 16 returnees from the 2022 gold team including Poulin, improves to 1-0 in Group A with three points. The victory sets up their next game against Czechia on February 9.
