Canada, U.S. women’s teams eager to resume fierce hockey rivalry
Global News
One of sports' fiercest rivalries is set to resume when the 10-nation tournament opens on Feb. 3.
Forward Brianna Decker was unable to contain her enthusiasm in being selected to represent the United States in hockey for a third Olympics. She then bluntly declared the team’s one and only objective heading to the Beijing Games next month.
“Our business isn’t finished until we come back with a gold medal,” Decker said.
Though she didn’t have to say it, Canada — who else? — is standing in their way.
“I don’t know if it’s unfinished business, we’ve got business,” Canada coach Troy Ryan said when informed of Decker’s comments.
“We’re going there as business as usual and we’re trying to win the gold.”
One of sports’ fiercest rivalries is set to resume when the 10-nation tournament opens on Feb. 3.
The United States is the defending Olympic champion after beating Canada in a nail-biting 3-2 shootout win in South Korea in 2018 to end Canada’s run of four Olympic titles. And yet, Canada is the reigning world champion after punching back with a 3-2 overtime win in August to end USA’s run of five consecutive titles.
“Yeah, it’s been a while since we’ve lost to them,” Decker said.