USA Hockey could use a boost, after rival Canada downed the US 5-3 in the first of two exhibition friendlies on Wednesday. The win subsequently snapped a near two-year losing streak against the reigning Olympic champion.
Armed with a refreshed roster, Canada managed to hang on to its 2-0 first-period lead despite getting outshot 26-19.
The victory also marked Canada’s first victory over the US since 2025. And it worked to avenge the team’s second-place finish at the 2026 Olympics.
This week’s friendly series is a tune-up for the 2026 IIHF World Championships, where both powerhouses could look a bit different on the ice.
Neither team knows if they can wear their traditional crests next month, as they enter a standoff with the IIHF over which entity controls the commercial jersey rights.
"Wearing our Maple Leaf is incredibly important to our national team athletes," Hockey Canada said.
"We are hopeful that we will reach a positive resolution with the IIHF's new administration that will allow the National Women's Team to do so when they represent Canada at the Women’sWorlds."
Canada and the US play again tonight at 7 PM ET (NHL Network).
