2026 Olympic Women’s Hockey: Top standouts from Canada vs. Switzerland semifinal game
Canada is going for gold once again.
Despite a gutsy effort from Switzerland, Canada came away with a 2-1 victory in their semifinal matchup on Monday, sending the team to the gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Similar to the first semifinal earlier in the day, it looked like a David vs. Goliath matchup between Canada and the Swiss. However, Switzerland netminder Andrea Brändli came up with some big saves early on. The veteran goaltender’s effort kept the game scoreless through 20 minutes, despite the Swiss being outshot 13-1.
The Canadians finally broke through in the second period with a historic moment. Just a few minutes into the frame, captain Marie-Philip Poulin scored her record-breaking 19th career goal at the Olympics, surpassing Hockey Hall of Famer Hayley Wickenheiser for the most by a woman at the Winter Games. Poulin followed that up with her third goal of the tournament just a few minutes later.
While the deficit was only two heading into the third period, it didn’t look like Switzerland had enough mustard to generate enough offense to threaten Canada’s lead. That changed early in the frame, as Alina Müller made a great play to set up Rahel Enzler.
The tally raised the tensions in Milan, as Switzerland started to believe they could tie the game. Yet, outside of a couple of chances, Canada’s defense held firm, leading to the victory.
Canada ended up outshooting Switzerland 46-8, a little closer than their group-stage contest, when the Canadians led the shot count, 55-6.
Canada went 0-for-2 on the power play, while the Swiss went 0-for-3.
With the win, Canada will face the United States (again) in the gold medal game on Thursday. The Canadians will be searching for a record sixth Olympic championship. Switzerland still has a chance to win its second-ever medal at the Winter Games, as they face Sweden in the bronze medal game on Thursday.
Canada
Marie-Philip Poulin, F
How could you not? Captain Clutch becoming the greatest goal scorer in Olympic history is one of the greatest moments in the sport’s history. Her presence in the lineup definitely made a difference in the quarterfinal win over Germany, and the number of chances she was able to create on Monday showed why No. 29 being in the lineup can truly make an impact. She ended up leading Canada with seven shots on goal in the win. With three goals in two games, Poulin is feeling good heading into the final.
Daryl Watts, F
When Troy Ryan jumbled up the lines when Poulin went down with an injury, everyone thought it was a desperation move, especially after the loss to the U.S. Yet, when Captain Canada returned to play, she was put on a line with Watts, and it has led to some success between the two. Watts’ creativity and vision complement Poulin’s finishing touch, as the Toronto Sceptres forward picked up assists on both her teammates’ goals on Monday.
Ella Shelton, D
Shelton’s production might not be eye-popping, but she has been relied upon as more of a defensive stalwart. The 28-year-old picked up an assist on Poulin’s second goal, her third helper of the tournament. She also finished second in ice time (22:05) and was on the ice for many of the crucial moments as the minutes ticked down in third. While everyone looks at Renata Fast and what she’s capable of, Shelton has quietly been one of Canada’s better blueliners in the tournament.
Switzerland
Andrea Brändli, G
This game doesn’t go down to the wire without another amazing effort from Brändli. The Frölunda HC netminder stood on her head from the opening puck drop, and outside of a flukey goal and a tough rebound, she was stellar. The 28-year-old’s ability to look superior opponents in the eye and play fearlessly makes her one of the best goaltenders in the game. With her ability to rise to the occasion, the Swiss have a great chance to win bronze for the first time since 2014.
Alina Müller, F
Yes, Switzerland failed to generate a lot of offense again when facing Canada, but the one who was there on the attack, once again, was Müller. The Boston Fleet star is one of a few players who could make the play that led to Enzler’s goal. Along with leading her team in scoring, with five points in six games, Müller has the confidence in herself to drag her team into the fight, something they’ll need if they want to win a medal.