In a stunning display of dominance, the USA women's hockey team has clinched the 2025 Rivalry Series, leaving Canada in their wake for the third consecutive game. But here's where it gets controversial: Is this the beginning of a new era in women's hockey, or just a temporary shift in the balance of power? Let’s dive into the details and explore what this means for both teams as they gear up for the Olympics.
On a chilly Wednesday night in Edmonton, the United States women’s national hockey team secured their victory in the 2025 Rivalry Series with a commanding 10-4 win over Team Canada. The game started with a bang as Canada scored just 48 seconds in, but the Americans quickly turned the tide, scoring four unanswered goals to close out the first period. Despite a valiant effort from Canada, who scored three goals in the second period—including two in the final 77 seconds—they couldn’t sustain the momentum. The U.S. pulled away in the third period, sealing their third straight win in this four-game series.
This victory marks the Americans’ first series win in the Rivalry Series since 2019-20, and it’s a significant one. In the first two games last month in Cleveland and Buffalo, the U.S. outscored Canada 10-2, setting the tone for their dominance. The fourth and final game of the series will take place in Edmonton on Saturday night, but the outcome seems almost symbolic now.
Gwyneth Philips was a standout for the U.S., making 30 saves, including an impressive 22 consecutive stops after Canada’s early goal. But what truly set the Americans apart was their balanced scoring attack: eight different players found the back of the net. Kelly Pannek and Abbey Murphy each scored twice, while Tessa Janecke, Jesse Compher, Kendall Coyne Schofield, Britta Curl-Salemme, Alex Carpenter, and Kirsten Simms all contributed goals. Sixteen players recorded at least one point, with Murphy leading the way with four points and Coyne Schofield and Pannek adding three each. The U.S. power play was also lethal, going 2-for-3 and bringing their total to seven power-play goals in just three games.
For Canada, Sophie Jaques scored twice, and Julia Gosling added another goal. However, their efforts weren’t enough to close the gap. And this is the part most people miss: Despite Canada’s strong start and late-game surge, the U.S.’s ability to respond under pressure was the deciding factor.
Controversy Alert: While Canada’s roster included key veterans like Ann-Renee Desbiens and Ella Shelton, who were absent in the earlier games, their performance still raises questions. Canada hasn’t beaten the U.S. since the 2022 World Championship gold medal game and has been outscored 26-10 in five straight losses. Is this a temporary slump, or is the U.S. truly the team to beat in Milan?
For players on both sides, these games in Edmonton are a final audition for the Olympic teams. The two rivals will meet again on February 10 in Italy, with the gold-medal game set for February 19. Historically, Canada has won five Olympic gold medals to the U.S.’s two, but the Americans’ recent performance suggests a potential shift in the Olympic landscape.
Thought-Provoking Question: With the U.S. looking stronger than ever, can Canada regroup and reclaim their dominance, or is this the start of a new era in women’s hockey? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
From Jesse Compher’s rebound goal to Sophie Jaques’ impressive performance, this game was filled with standout moments. But the bigger story is the U.S.’s resurgence and Canada’s struggle to keep up. As we look ahead to Milan, one thing is clear: the rivalry between these two hockey powerhouses has never been more intense.
