“We’re able to get on the ice each day and practice with one another,” Keller said. “Residency gives us the chance to really focus on coming together as a group and honing in on everything.”
The U.S. and Canada most recently squared off twice during the 2021 IIHF Women’s World Championship, which took place Aug. 20-31, in Calgary, Alberta. After Canada prevailed 5-1 in a preliminary round matchup, the teams met again for a tense gold-medal game. The U.S. held an early 2-0 lead, but Canada rallied to win 3-2 in overtime to halt the U.S. streak at five world titles in a row.
Still, the U.S. women have still claimed gold in five of the last six world championships and eight of the previous 10 tournaments.
“Anytime we play [Canada] it’s always a battle,” Keller said. “It’s one of the greatest rivalries in hockey and certainly for us, so I think anytime we play we want to represent the USA and take it to them. We’re really pumped to get back on the ice and get a little revenge.”
“I think our team is just looking forward to starting the Tour,” Decker said. “Anytime we play, it’s going to be a great game. It’s always fun and gritty. I don’t know if redemption is the right word, but we’re just ready to compete against them again.”
Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.