Women’s Ice Hockey at the Olympics: History, Records, and the 2026 Milan Campaign
MILAN, 10 February 2026 – The puck has dropped, and the intensity is rising at the XXV Olympic Winter Games. As the world’s elite female skaters converge on Italian ice, the tournament represents the pinnacle of a journey that began as a “facultative sport” back in 1914 and has evolved into one of the most-watched events of the Winter Olympiad. With the group stages currently in full swing, the focus remains on whether the traditional North American dominance can be challenged by a rising European contingent.
The Current State of Play: Milan-Cortina 2026
The 2026 women’s Olympic tournament, running from 5 February to 19 February, features ten national teams competing for gold. For the German national team (DEB-Frauen), the tournament has already provided a rollercoaster of emotions. Following a tough 1:4 opening loss against Sweden last week, the German squad showed immense resilience yesterday, 9 February, securing a vital 2:1 victory in overtime. This win keeps their hopes alive for a historic finish under head coach Jeff MacLeod.
Historical Context and Olympic Integration
While ice hockey was discussed as an optional sport as early as the 6th Olympic Congress in 1914, the women’s game took much longer to achieve official medal status. It was not until the 1998 Nagano Games that women’s ice hockey was fully integrated into the Olympic programme. Since then, the sport has seen a dramatic rise in professionalisation and global viewership.
Germany’s Olympic Track Record
The German women’s team has a storied, if challenging, history at the Games. Their previous finishes include:
- 2002 Salt Lake City: 6th Place
- 2006 Turin: 5th Place
- 2010 Vancouver: Did not qualify
- 2014 Sochi: 7th Place
In 2026, the team aims to surpass their previous best of 5th place, bolstered by the standout performances of goaltender Sandra Abstreiter.
The All-Time Leaderboard: A North American Stronghold
Statistically, the “Eternal Table” of women’s Olympic ice hockey is dominated by two nations: Canada and the USA. Canada remains the most successful nation in the history of the sport, boasting legendary players like Hayley Wickenheiser and Caroline Ouellette, both of whom secured multiple gold medals between 1998 and 2014.
| Rank | Nation | Games Played | Wins | Losses | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Canada | 38 | 35 | 2 | 106 |
| 2 | USA | 37 | 29 | 7 | 88 |
| 3 | Finland | – | – | – | – |
| 4 | Sweden | – | – | – | – |
Note: Data based on historical records prior to the 2026 tournament start.
Key Players and Legends
Hayley Wickenheiser (Canada)
Widely regarded as the greatest female player of all time, Wickenheiser was a cornerstone of the Canadian team that dominated the podium from the late 90s through to 2014. Her leadership helped define the standard of the modern game.
Caroline Ouellette (Canada)
A four-time Olympic gold medallist, Ouellette is one of the few athletes in any sport to enter four consecutive Olympics and win gold in every single appearance (2002, 2006, 2010, 2014).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When did women’s ice hockey become an Olympic sport?
Women’s ice hockey made its official Olympic debut at the 1998 Winter Games in Nagano, Japan. Canada and the USA have contested almost every final since its inception.
How many teams are competing in the 2026 Olympics?
The 2026 tournament in Milan-Cortina features ten national teams. The competition follows a format designed to ensure the highest-ranked teams face off in the knockout stages.
Who is the current favourite for the gold medal?
As of February 2026, Canada and the USA remain the heavy favourites based on their historical “Eternal Table” rankings. However, Finland and Switzerland have shown significant growth in the European leagues, making them dangerous contenders in the medal rounds.
What is Germany’s best ever result in women’s Olympic ice hockey?
Germany’s best finish to date was 5th place at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy. The 2026 squad is currently fighting to break into the top four for the first time in history.