The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) has significantly altered the landscape of women's hockey, especially in terms of the intense rivalry between Canada and the United States. Many players who come from these two countries now find themselves teammates in the league, playing alongside each other in high-pressure situations. This shift, however, does not diminish the fierce competitive history, as these players will revert back to being rivals during international competitions like the Olympics.

Over the years, Canada and the U.S. have established a formidable rivalry, having faced each other in nearly every Olympic final and world championship match, with Canada holding a slight edge in overall victories. As they prepare to clash again in Milan for the 2026 Olympic Games, both teams are set to bring their A-game, not just for national pride but also for the prestige of their respective countries. The dynamics of their interactions have evolved, yet the stakes remain high.

In the upcoming Olympic preliminary rounds, Canada will take on Czechia before the highly anticipated matchup against the U.S. This shift in teamwork under the PWHL has introduced PWHL players from various nations into the mix, including Czechia, which has eight PWHL players. The changing landscape offers a fresh narrative to the ongoing rivalry as these athletes balance their roles as teammates and competitors during major international tournaments. Overall, while the PWHL competes to build women's hockey, the deep-rooted rivalry between Canada and the U.S. is anything but over.