Canada earns first medal at Milano Cortina while women’s hockey dominates Switzerland 4-0

Canada Milano Cortina 2026 just captured its first medal as Valérie Maltais blazed to bronze in the women’s 3000m speed skate. Then the women’s hockey squad silenced Switzerland 4-0 to launch their gold medal defense in dominant fashion. Day one of Italian winter sports delivered for Team Canada.

Speed Skating Breakthrough Ends Canada’s Medal Drought

Valérie Maltais, competing in her fifth Olympic Games, delivered Canada’s breakthrough moment in the women’s 3000m at Milano Speed Skating Stadium. The 35-year-old veteran skated seven-and-a-half consistent laps to touch the podium with bronze. She earned her third career Olympic medal after years of competing at the highest level. Italy’s Francesca Llollobrigida claimed gold with a new Olympic record of 3:54.28.

Maltais broke into tears upon learning she had finished third, overwhelmed by the emotional relief of finally getting Team Canada on the board. Her performance came on just the second full competition day at Milano Cortina 2026, which runs through February 22. The speed skater proved that age and experience remain powerful competitive weapons in winter sports.

Women’s Hockey Dominates Swiss in Title Defense Opener

Canada’s women’s hockey team absolutely controlled their Group A opener against Switzerland with a 4-0 shutout victory at Milano Rho. Patience paid off for the defending gold medalists, who were originally scheduled to face Finland on Thursday but saw that contest postponed due to illness. When they finally took the ice, the team unleashed a potent offense across all three periods.

Goaltender Emerance Maschmeyer was sharp when needed, protecting the scoreboard while Canada’s skaters dominated possession. The team put 50+ shots toward the net, completely overwhelming the Swiss defense. Head coach and players spoke of the patience required to keep composing themselves after outshooting opponents 30-3 through two periods.

Goal Scorers Show Depth of Canadian Attack

Goal Scorer	Situation
Natalie Spooner	Power play (first goal of tournament)
Sarah Fillier	Power play
Julia Gosling	Power play
Daryl Watts	Even strength

Natalie Spooner, playing as the 13th forward on Canada’s roster, made an immediate impact by scoring first. Her goal on a power play showed that depth is abundant throughout the entire lineup. Fillier and Gosling capitalized on additional man-advantage chances, demonstrating Canada’s lethal special teams execution. Watts added insurance at even strength, sealing the dominant performance.

“Patience is proving to be an important attribute for Team Canada’s women’s hockey team at Milano Cortina 2026.”

— Olympic.ca, Official Canadian Olympic Team Coverage

What’s Next for Canada’s Medal Hopes in Italy

Canada’s women’s hockey squad remains undefeated after their dominant opener but faces stiffer competition when Finland arrives on February 12. The Group A format includes challenges from defending rivals USA and emerging strength Czechia. Speed skater Maltais has already delivered the pressure of Canada’s first medal, but countless athletes pursue gold across 15 remaining competition days.

Mikaël Kingsbury and Marielle Thompson serve as flagbearers for Canada, representing the entire delegation. Sidney Crosby captains the men’s hockey team in his third Olympic appearance. With Canada on the board in both speed skating and hockey, the nation’s medal trajectory looks promising as winter’s biggest competition unfolds across Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Can Canada’s Early Momentum Translate Into Gold Medal Glory?

Day one delivered exactly what Team Canada hoped for entering Milano Cortina 2026. A speed skating podium early and a hockey shutout set a confident tone. The women’s team is chasing back-to-back gold medals, a feat last accomplished in the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics. Maltais broke through individually, proving Canadian athletes can compete at the very highest level against global competition.

Switzerland’s 0-4 loss showed Canada’s system works together like parts of a precision machine. Multiple goal scorers, a reliable goaltender, and shot production that overwhelms opponents set the template for success. The remaining group matches will reveal if Canada maintains this form or faces adversity. History suggests the team has won before under pressure.

Sources

• Olympics.com – Official coverage of Milano Cortina 2026 women’s ice hockey and speed skating
• CBC Sport – Canadian Olympic team updates and medal coverage
• Olympic.ca – Team Canada official commentary and game recap coverage