The Athletic Hockey Show Previewing the Olympic Women’s hockey tournament
Jan 29, 2026
A lively preview of the Olympic women’s hockey tournament with debate over whether Canada or the United States are true favorites. They weigh goaltending matchups, roster choices and Marie‑Philippe Poulin’s role. Discussion covers tournament format quirks, Sweden as a dark horse, and who might challenge for bronze. Quick-fire predictions tease MVP and top scorer picks.
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U.S. Has Edge — Canada Still Very Much In It
- Team USA enters as the statistical favorite due to youth, speed, and recent results, but Canada remains a co-favorite because of veteran experience and past Olympic success.
- Hailey Salvian warns preseason results can mislead since Olympics are a different pressure environment.
Pre-Tournament Results Can Be Deceptive
- Hailey Salvian argues Canada's poor recent losses don't define them because they test new players and tactics in rivalry and worlds.
- She emphasises Anne-René DeBien's elite track record means one bad game won't predict Olympic performance.
Goalies Could Decide The Gold Medal
- Goaltending is a potential tournament-decider with Anne-René DeBien's Olympic pedigree giving Canada a slight edge.
- Hailey Salvian says if Canada wins gold, it's likely because DeBien stole a tight game.