The 2019 U.S. Women’s National Team will open play in the 2019 Rivalry Series tonight (Feb. 12) at 7 p.m. ET in London, Ontario, at Budweiser Gardens, marking the two teams' first meeting since the 2018 Four Nations Cup.
GAMEDAY: Tonight will mark the first of three meetings between the U.S. and Canada this week as part of the 2019 Rivalry Series, the first event of its kind held between the rival nations. The U.S. will wear it’s white jerseys tonight and for the duration of the event. Fans can catch all the action live in the U.S. by tuning into NHL Network, and following along with @USAHockey using #RivalrySeries on Twitter.
RIVALRY RENEWED: The U.S. and Canada have met in the championship of every major international tournament, including the Olympic Winter Games, International Ice Hockey Federation Women's World Championship and Four Nations Cup championship games, dating back to the Sochi 2014 Olympics. The U.S. emerged victorious in eight out of 10 of those meetings, and came up just short in overtime in the only two losses. Ahead of this week’s event, players expressed their excitement to open the next chapter…
“The Rivalry Series is going to be an incredible showcase of women’s hockey. I am excited for the opportunity to play with and against some of the best female hockey players in the world.” – Hannah Brandt (Vadnais Heights, Minn.)
“I think we are all very excited for the Rivalry Series. It will be so fun putting on the USA jersey again and being able to go to battle with this group of girls.” – Sidney Morin (Minnetonka, Minn.)
“I am incredibly excited to represent Team USA at the Rivalry Series. It’s always an honor to wear the red, white, and blue, especially while competing against such an intense rival.” – Lee Stecklein (Roseville, Minn.)
FIRST TIME SINCE THE LAST TIME: The U.S. will face Canada tonight for the first time since the 2018 Four Nations Cup, held Nov. 6-10 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The U.S. defeated Canada twice en route to winning its fourth straight tournament championship, having first won a close, 2-1, battle in the preliminary round on Wednesday (Nov. 7) and then finishing with a 5-2 victory in the championship game Saturday (Nov. 10) thanks in part to a pair of goals from U.S. forward Hilary Knight (Sun Valley, Idaho).