Canada-U.S. Hockey Rivalry Heats Up at Milan-Cortina

At the Milan-Cortina Olympics, Canada has sent 206 athletes to compete against winter heavyweights including Norway, Sweden, Germany, host Italy and the United States. The Canadian contingent ranges from 18-year-old snowboarders Eli Bouchard and Felicity Geremia to 44-year-old curler Marc Kennedy, and the opening ceremonies produced loud cheers for Team Canada while Team U.S.A.

was met with a much quieter reception. The rivalry has deep roots. Moments such as the 1987 Canada Cup and Sidney Crosby’s overtime gold-medal goal against the U.S. in Vancouver have helped shape a national sense that beating America on the ice matters. Canada’s women’s team, led by Marie-Philip Poulin’s repeated game-winning contributions, has also dominated the Olympic landscape, winning five of seven gold medals against the United States.

Politics and recent competitions have intensified the feeling. Since President Trump began issuing tariffs and threats, sporting contests have felt more personal for many Canadians.

Italy, Milan-Cortina