Without a doubt, the NHL world used to see Canada as one of the top teams in the world, but the Winter Olympics proved otherwise. Team USA’s 2-1 victory over Canada in overtime for the women’s hockey gold medal at Milan-Cortina showed exactly how much the game has changed. Canada led until late in the third period against the U.S., who tied it and then scored in overtime. Seeing all this, many are now calling for change.

This outcome is part of a recent trend, as the U.S. now has an eight‑game winning streak over Canada in major women’s hockey, including a 5‑0 shutout earlier in the Olympics  (the worst loss Canada has ever suffered in Olympic women’s hockey history). With that in mind, experts and fans alike are asking for a new direction and much more emphasis on developing the next generation of players.

Sure, the Canadian team is also loaded with talent, but a few NHL players are beyond what would be considered their “prime” for elite international competition. Even eleven players in the current team will be 35+ by 2030. Along with veteran stars like Jocelyne Larocque (37), Natalie Spooner (35), Renata Fast (31), and Marie-Philip Poulin (34) have already crossed 30.

These players have carried Canada on the world stage for years, but commentators worry that the current system cannot guarantee gold in the next Olympic cycle.

Analysts highlight three key areas that need change. First, management could adopt a new structure similar to the U.S. model, where the coach and general manager work exclusively with the national team instead of dividing their duties.

News served to you like never before!

Prefer us on Google, To get latest news on feed

Prefer Us on Google

Second, the roster may require adjustments, replacing players who don’t fit the team’s style and bringing in emerging talents like Sarah Fillier, Daryl Watts, and Kristin O’Neill.

Finally, national development is underappreciated. The “Rise as One” plan from NHL Canada is designed to enhance opportunities for girls and women in hockey, and the time for action is now to properly support emergent talent.

Yes, Canada still has stars like Poulin and Fillier, but the message is clear: to be in the gold medal mix in the next cycle, the team has to look to the future, bring along young players, and perhaps even reimagine the way its national program is structured, because history…well, it doesn’t wait for anyone.

Canada’s Women’s NHL team continues to inspire

For decades, Canada’s women’s ice hockey team has stood at the very top of the sport. They’ve won five Olympic gold medals: 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2022, more than any other country, and added three silver medals (1998, 2018, 2026). On the world stage, Canada has captured 13 IIHF World Championship golds out of 24 tournaments since 1990. For over 30 years, their name have used to winning!

Unfortunately, the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina didn’t end in gold. A heartbreaking 2‑1 overtime loss to the United States left Canada with silver, their fiercest rival finally edging them out. But even in loss, the team was feted… not just for their talent but for the way they played with heart and pride.

Marie‑Philip Poulin, captain and living legend, yet again made history, netting her 20th career Olympic goal in the semifinals and guiding the team to the final. She also reminded everyone that the result doesn’t define her team, even in defeat. “Obviously, we came up short, but I’m really proud of this group.”

Kristin O’Neill, who scored Canada’s goal in the final, spoke about the pride she felt representing her country. “There are a lot of emotions, but I am really proud of the way my team played. “And in their wake, stars like Sarah Nurse, the first Black woman to win Olympic gold in hockey, are pushing young players to dream even bigger.

Silver may not sparkle like gold, but Canada’s tradition is much brighter than any single medal. The tradition, the talent, and the desire to compete at the highest level are what make this team and this fight and this story unforgettable.