The upcoming pre-Olympic games in Edmonton will feature many familiar faces from the Canadian women’s hockey team. The final two games of the 2025-26 Canada-United States Rivalry Series are scheduled for December 10 and 13 at Rogers Place in Edmonton. These games are crucial as the team prepares for the upcoming Milano Cortina Games in less than 70 days.
A total of 20 players who participated in the first leg of the Rivalry Series last month have been included in the 25-player roster for these games. The coaching staff will use these matches to make final decisions on the roster for the 23-player Olympic team, which is expected to be announced in January before the team’s first game on February 5 against Finland.
Canadian GM Gina Kingsbury emphasized the importance of these games in the team’s preparations for the Olympics. Thirty players have been part of the training blocks leading up to these games as the coaching staff assesses all contenders for a spot on the Olympic squad.
Noteworthy additions to the roster include Ottawa Charge forward Emily Clark, who will make her Rivalry Series debut after recovering from an injury that sidelined her in November. Veterans such as Jocelyne Larocque and Brianne Jenner, along with starting goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens and rookie defender Nicole Gosling, are also part of the roster.
However, Vancouver Goldeneyes forward Sarah Nurse will miss the games due to a lower-body injury sustained during the Goldeneyes’ inaugural franchise game. Several players who competed in November, including Vancouver forward Hannah Miller and Montreal defender Kati Tabin, have not been included in the current roster.
The United States currently leads the Rivalry Series 2-0 following dominant performances in Buffalo and Cleveland. The team has outscored Canada 10-2 in the series so far. Kingsbury expressed confidence in the team’s abilities and is looking forward to finishing the series in front of their fans and a hometown crowd.
The final Canadian roster will also consider performances in the PWHL and NCAA leagues. The PWHL will resume play on December 16 after the conclusion of the Rivalry Series.
The article also provides a detailed list of the Canadian roster for the upcoming games, showcasing the talented players who will represent the country in the Rivalry Series.