HHOF ‐ Olympic Women's Hockey

Olympic Women's Hockey

Women's Hockey at the Olympics

Year‐by‐Year Medals/Standings by Nation

Standings By Year 1998 2002 2006 2010 2014 2018 2022
Canada 2 1 1 1 1 2 1
China 4 7   7 9
Czechia   7
Denmark   10
Finland 3 4 4 3 5 3 3
Germany   6 5   7
Italy     8    
Japan 6       8 6 6
Kazakhstan   8        
Korea           8
Russia   5 6 6 6 4 5
Slovakia       8 8  
Sweden 5 3 2 5 4 7 8
Switzerland     7 4 3 5 4
USA 1 2 3 2 2 1 2
Medal Totals Gold Silver Bronze
Canada 5 2 0
Finland 0 0 4
Sweden 0 1 1
USA 2 4 1
Switzerland 0 0 1
Women's Hockey at the Olympics
2022 Beijing Olympics poster

Team Canada

Team USA

Team Finland

The 2022 Winter Olympics Women's Hockey tournament in Beijing turned out to be a battle of the giants, as most expected. Although ten teams competed in Women's Hockey at the Olympics (an increase from eight at previous Olympics), it was impossible to ignore Canada and the United States. Since Women's Hockey had been admitted to the Olympics in 1998, Canada had won four Gold Medals and two Silvers. The United States, meanwhile, had won two Golds, three Silvers and a Bronze Medal.

The two countries remained dominant. Throughout this Olympic tournament, Team Canada outscored opponents 57 to 10, while Team USA scored 30 times and allowed opponents just 11. Three Canadians set or tied single tournament scoring records ‐ Sarah Nurse set records in points and assists, Claire Thompson became the top scoring defender and Brianne Jenner tied the record for most goals.

On February 16, 2022, Finland topped Switzerland 4‐0 to win the Olympic Bronze Medal. The next day, it was the two North American titans facing off for the Olympic Gold.

The United States skated into the game as the defending champions. Canada had already beat the American squad once in the tournament, and were determined to duplicate that result.

2022 Beijing Olympics poster

Team Canada

Team USA

Team Finland

Marie‐Philip Poulin, playing in her fourth Olympic Games, served as one of Canada's flag‐bearers at the Opening Ceremonies, and proceeded to lead on the ice for her team, too. She scored two goals in the deciding game, including the game‐winner midway through the second period when she knocked in a rebound on a rush led by teammate Nurse, to return the Olympic Gold in Women's Hockey to Canada.

Astonishingly, Poulin's Olympic Gold Medal‐winning goal was her third in four Olympic appearances, and she became the only player to score goals in four separate Olympic Finals.

The media all‐star team featured Czech goaltender Klara Peslarova, Jenni Hiirikoski of Finland and Canada's Thompson on defence, and forwards Nurse, Poulin and Jenner, who was also the tournament's MVP.

Rank Country Games Wins Losses OT Losses Points
1 Canada 7 7 0 0 21
2 USA 7 5 2 0 15
3 Finland 7 3 4 0 9
4 Switzerland 7 2 5 0 6
5 ROC 5 1 4 0 3
6 Japan 5 3 1 1 9
7 Czechia 5 2 2 1 7
8 Sweden 5 2 3 0 6
9 China 4 2 2 0 5
10 Denmark 4 1 3 0 3
Women's Hockey at the Olympics
2018 PyeongChang Olympics poster

Team USA

Team Canada

Team Finland

The United States team was forced to wait four long years for their rematch against Canada on hockey's grandest stage. In 2014 the Americans let a 2‐0 lead slip away in the third period and lost the gold medal game in overtime. The 2018 gold medal game would be every bit as dramatic.

Both the American and Canadian teams won their respective semi‐final games by 5‐0 scores, setting up the sixth consecutive gold medal contest.

With gold on the line, Hilary Knight would open the scoring late in the first period, giving the Americans the lead at the break. Canada would bounce back in the second period, with Haley Irwin and Marie‐Philip Poulin finding the back of the net. Canada's 2‐1 lead would hold up until 13:39 of the third period when Monique Lamoureux evened the score.

2018 PyeongChang Olympics poster

Team USA

Team Canada

Team Finland

For the second straight Olympic Games 60 minutes was not enough to determine a champion and overtime was needed. The teams exchanged chances, but remained deadlocked after 20 minutes of extra time. For the first time in Women's Olympic Hockey history, the gold medal‐winner would be determined by shootout. The shootout too would go an extra round with Jocelyne Lamoureux scoring the eventual winner with a dazzling deke.

The gold medal victory was the first for the United States in two decades and another legendary chapter in one of hockey's greatest rivalries.

Finland would defeat the Olympic Athletes from Russia for the bronze and goaltender Shannon Szabados of Canada, Finnish defender Jenni Hiirikoski and Swiss forward Alina Muller were named the tournament's best players as selected by the directorate.

Rank Country Games Wins Losses OT Losses Points
1 USA 5 4 1 0 12
2 Canada 5 4 0 1 13
3 Finland 6 3 0 3 9
4 OAR 6 1 0 5 3
5 Switzerland 6 5 0 1 15
6 Japan 5 1 1 3 5
7 Sweden 6 3 0 3 10
8 Korea 5 0 0 5 0
2014 Sochi, Russia main photo
2014 Sochi, Russia program

Team Canada

Team USA

Team Switzerland

Though the USA and Canada seemed destined to collide with gold on the line at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games, few could have predicted the amazing chapter that was about to be written in this epic rivalry.

The road to the final game was anything but easy. In the semi-final Canada would face the tenacious Swiss team who battled hard, but ultimately would fall 3‐1. The USA would take on Sweden in their semi‐final match up, conjuring memories of the upset in 2006 when Sweden prevailed in a shootout. The USA would succeed this time however and the stage was set for another showdown with the Canadians.

The teams battled hard in a scoreless, but penalty‐filled first period of the gold medal game. It was the Americans who would strike first, with Meghan Duggan scoring midway through the second frame. The USA would extend their lead early in the third period when Alex Carpenter found the back of the net. It appeared as though the Americans were gold medal bound until Canada's Brianne Jenner cut the lead to one with three and half minutes to play. The goal seemed to breathe new life into the Canadian team and with their net empty and just seconds on the clock Marie‐Philip Poulin would tie the game at two.

2014 Sochi, Russia program

Team Canada

Team USA

Team Switzerland

It would take extra time to decide the 2014 Women's Olympic Hockey champion. A Canadian penalty was followed quickly by two American infractions, resulting in a four on three power play for the Canadians. The Canadians moved the puck with expert precision on the power play and when Marie‐Philip Poulin scored her second goal of the game, the result was the fourth consecutive gold medal for Canada.

Swiss goaltender Florence Schelling along with Finnish forward Michelle Karvinen and defender Jenni Hiirikoski were named the tournament's best players as selected by the directorate.

Rank Country Games Wins Losses OT Losses Points
1 Canada 5 5 0 0 15
2 USA 5 3 2 0 9
3 Switzerland 5 2 2 0 6
4 Sweden 6 3 3 0 9
5 Finland 5 2 3 0 6
6 Russia 6 4 2 0 12
7 Germany 5 2 3 0 6
8 Japan 5 0 5 0 0
2010 Vancouver Olympics main photo
2010 Vancouver Olympics poster

Team Canada

Team USA

Team Finland

Unlike in 2006, when Sweden and Finland challenged for the tournament's top spots, Canada and USA dominated throughout their round robin and semi final matches. The 2010 event began in record fashion. Defending champion Canada set a new Olympic standard by scoring 18 goals against Slovakia. By the time their gold‐medal showdown took place, Canada and USA had outscored their opponents 46‐2 and 40‐2 respectively.

The Americans were led by veteran forward Jenny Potter who posted team highs in goals (6) and points (11) while 23 year‐old Meghan Agosta emerged as Canada's new scoring sensation, finishing the tournament with 9 goals and 15 points.

Perhaps the most surprising story of the women's tournament came not from the Canadian or American teams however, but from the Swiss team when forward Stefanie Marty matched Agosta's record total of 9 goals in a single tournament.

2010 Vancouver Olympics poster

Team Canada

Team USA

Team Finland

The final proved to be a classic. In a rematch of the 2002 gold medal game, Canada again prevailed and earned their third straight Olympic championship in a tightly contested 2‐0 victory. The two stars of the game were rookie netminder Shannon Szabados who earned the shutout and 18 year‐old Marie‐Philip Poulin who scored both of Canada's goals despite being the team's youngest player.

The tournament all‐star team was made up of Szabados in net, American defenders Angela Ruggiero and Molly Engstrom and forwards Agosta, Poulin and Potter, with Agosta claiming the MVP honour.

Rank Country Games Wins Losses OT Losses Points
1 Canada 5 5 0 0 10
2 USA 5 4 1 0 8
3 Finland 5 3 2 0 6
4 Switzerland 5 3 2 0 6
5 Sweden 5 2 3 0 4
6 Russia 5 2 3 0 4
7 China 5 1 4 0 2
8 Slovakia 5 0 5 0 0

Chronology

Preliminary Round (Group A)

Sweden 3 Switzerland 0
Canada 18 Slovakia 0
Switzerland 1 Canada 10
Sweden 6 Slovakia 2
Canada 13 Sweden 1
Slovakia 2 Switzerland 5

Preliminary Round (Group B)

USA 12 China 1
Finland 5 Russia 1
Russia 0 USA 13
Finland 2 China 1
USA 6 Finland 0
China 1 Russia 2

Playoff Round

Switzerland 6 China 0
Russia 4 Slovakia 2
USA 9 Sweden 1
China 3 Slovakia 1
Canada 5 Finland 0
Switzerland 2 Russia 1

Bronze Medal Game

Finland 3 Sweden 2

Gold Medal Game

Canada 2 USA 0

Statistical Leaders

Top 10 Total Point Leaders

Player Country No. GP G A P PIM
AGOSTA, Meghan Canada 2 5 9 6 15 2
HEFFORD, Jayna Canada 16 5 5 7 12 8
MARTY, Stefanie Switzerland 9 5 9 2 11 6
POTTER, Jenny USA 12 5 6 5 11 2
DARWITZ, Natalie USA 20 5 4 7 11 0
OUELLETTE, Caroline Canada 13 5 2 9 11 2
WICKENHEISER, Hayley Canada 22 5 2 9 11 0
PIPER, Cherie Canada 7 5 5 5 10 0
LAMOUREUX, Monique USA 7 5 4 6 10 2
STACK, Kelli USA 16 5 3 5 8 2
VAILLANCOURT, Sarah Canada 26 5 3 5 8 6
KNIGHT, Hilary USA 21 5 1 7 8 0

Top 5 Goal Scorers

Player Country No. GP G
AGOSTA, Meghan Canada 2 5 9
MARTY, Stefanie Switzerland 9 5 9
POTTER, Jenny USA 12 5 6
HEFFORD, Jayna Canada 16 5 5
PIPER, Cherie Canada 7 5 5

Top 5 Assist Leaders

Player Country No. GP A
OUELLETTE, Caroline Canada 13 5 9
WICKENHEISER, Hayley Canada 22 5 9
DARWITZ, Natalie USA 20 5 7
HEFFORD, Jayna Canada 16 5 7
KNIGHT, Hilary USA 21 5 7
2006 Turin Olympics main photo
2006 Turin Olympics poster

Team Canada

Team Sweden

Team USA

The Women's Olympic ice hockey event took place for the third time in its history in Turin. As usual, the perennial favorites were the Canadians and the Americans ‐ destined to meet in the final. Each had one Olympic title to date, the US winning the inaugural in 1998 in Nagano followed by the Canadians at the 2002 Salt Lake City event. Finland and Sweden were ready to assume their regular roles as spoilers, with no positive results prior to this event.

The Preliminary Round featured overpowering performances from the favorites and certainly no surprises. The aforementioned elite four easily advanced to the semi‐finals as expected with defending Olympic champions Canada shutting down the Finns to reach the final. However, the other semi‐final match produced the greatest upset in the history of women's ice hockey to date. Sweden defeated the favoured Americans by a score of 3‐2 in a shoot‐out. Goaltender Kim Martin did not surrender a goal in the shoot‐out while Pernilla Winberg and Maria Rooth tallied to ensure victory.

2006 Turin Olympics poster

Team Canada

Team Sweden

Team USA

While the Swedes would eventually lose to a dominant Team Canada in the Gold Medal Game, capturing the silver medal was a huge boost not only for the women's program back in Sweden but added some extra interest on a competitive level with the fact the one of the two “top dogs” had finally been beaten. A disappointed Team USA did however, go on to claim the bronze medal with Angela Ruggerio anchoring the defense and taking home Best Defenseman honours. Kim Martin's heroics earned her the Top Goaltender Award and Canada's Hayley Wickenheiser solidified her status as the best female player en route to receiving both the Best Forward and Tournament MVP awards after racking up 17 points during the event.

Rank Country Games Wins Losses OT Losses Points
1 Canada 5 5 0 0 10
2 Sweden 5 3 2 0 6
3 USA 5 4 1 0 8
4 Finland 5 2 3 0 4
5 Germany 5 3 2 0 6
6 Russia 5 2 3 0 4
7 Switzerland 5 1 4 0 2
8 Italy 5 0 5 0 0

Chronology

Preliminary Round (Group A)

Sweden 3 Russia 1
Canada 16 Italy 0
Russia 0 Canada 12
Sweden 12 Italy 0
Italy 1 Russia 5
Canada 8 Sweden 1

Preliminary Round (Group B)

Finland 3 Germany 0
USA 6 Switzerland 0
Germany 0 USA 5
Finland 4 Switzerland 0
Switzerland 1 Germany 2
USA 7 Finland 3

Placement Rounds

Russia 6 Switzerland 2
Germany 5 Italy 2

Semifinals

USA 2 Sweden 3
Canada 6 Finland 0

Bronze Medal Game

Finland 0 USA 4

Gold Medal Game

Sweden 1 Canada 4

Statistical Leaders

Top 10 Total Point Leaders

Player Country No. GP G A P PIM
WICKENHEISER, Hayley Canada 22 5 5 12 17 6
PIPER, Cherie Canada 7 5 7 8 15 0
APPS, Gillian Canada 10 5 7 7 14 14
OUELLETTE, Caroline Canada 13 5 5 4 9 4
ROOTH, Maria Sweden 7 5 5 4 9 2
POTTER, Jenny USA 12 5 2 7 9 4
KING, Katie USA 20 5 6 2 8 2
PARSONS, Sarah USA 27 5 4 3 7 0
HEFFORD, Jayna Canada 16 5 3 4 7 0
BOTTERILL, Jennifer Canada 17 5 1 6 7 4

Top 5 Goal Scorers

Player Country No. GP G
PIPER, Cherie Canada 7 5 7
APPS, Gillian Canada 10 5 7
KING, Katie USA 20 5 6
OUELLETTE, Caroline Canada 13 5 5
WICKENHEISER, Hayley Canada 22 5 5

Top 5 Assist Leaders

Player Country No. GP A
WICKENHEISER, Hayley Canada 22 5 12
PIPER, Cherie Canada 7 5 8
APPS, Gillian Canada 10 5 7
POTTER, Jenny USA 12 5 7
BOTTERILL, Jennifer Canada 17 5 6
2002 Salt Lake City Olympics main photo
2002 Salt Lake City Olympics poster

Team Canada

Team USA

Team Sweden

USA went seeking defend their Olympic title they earned back in Nagano in 1998. Leading up to the tournament, they dominated all opposition, not losing a game all season, including eight straight over Canada. Perenial rival Canada came into the tournament with a perfect IIHF Women's World Championship record intact, defeating USA in every final for a total of seven titles. Most everybody expected these two powerhouses in clash once again for Olympic glory and in the end that is how it played out. Before that during the Preliminary Round, things went mostly according to the script, save for Sweden edging Russia, coming off their first medal, a bronze during the 2001 Women's World Championship.

The competition really heated up during the Playoff Round. Finland was quite familiar with third place finishes, having claimed bronze during the last Olympics and in all but one World Championship. They lined up against Canada in one semi‐final. Finland was prepared for this match ‐ more than prepared since they held a 3‐2 lead after two periods. Canada held their composure, and potted five third period goals to advance to the final. Sweden, played USA tough in the other semi‐final, in the end bowing to the hosts by a score of 4‐0. Backed by sensational goaltending by 15 year‐old Kim Martin, Sweden completed a strong tournament by edging their Nordic neighbors 2‐1 and skated away with the bronze medal.

2002 Salt Lake City Olympics poster

Team Canada

Team USA

Team Sweden

That left the two women's superpowers to battle for Olympic glory. Team USA had not lost all season but in this one game winner‐take‐all setup, Canada seemed to have the most confidence and escaped Salt Lake City with a 3‐2 nail‐biting victory along with their first Olympic title. This high‐energy affair proved once again to be an excellent showcase for the women's game. Individual stars included USA's Angela Ruggiero named Best Defender while Canada's Kim St-Pierre earned Best Goaltender honours. Kim's teammate Hayley Wickenheiser not only received the Best Forward Award, she also was voted the tournament MVP by the media.

Rank Country Games Wins Losses OT Losses Points
1 Canada 5 5 0 0 10
2 USA 5 4 1 0 8
3 Sweden 5 3 2 0 6
4 Finland 5 2 3 0 4
5 Russia 5 3 2 0 6
6 Germany 5 1 3 1 3
7 China 5 1 3 1 3
8 Kazakhstan 5 0 5 0 0

Chronology

Preliminary Round (Group A)

Canada 7 Kazakhstan 0
Sweden 3 Russia 2
Russia 0 Canada 7
Sweden 7 Kazakhstan 0
Kazakhstan 1 Russia 4
Canada 11 Sweden 0

Preliminary Round (Group B)

USA 10 Germany 0
Finland 4 China 0
Finland 3 Germany 1
China 1 USA 12
USA 5 Finland 0
Germany 5 China 5

Semi‐Finals

Canada 7 Finland 3
USA 4 Sweden 0

Bronze Medal Game

Finland 1 Sweden 2

Gold Medal Game

USA 2 Canada 3

Statistical Leaders

Top 10 Total Point Leaders

Player Country No. GP G A P PIM
WICKENHEISER, Hayley Canada 22 5 7 3 10 2
GRANATO, Cammi USA 21 5 6 4 10 0
GOYETTE, Danielle Canada 15 5 3 7 10 0
DARWITZ, Natalie USA 22 5 7 1 8 2
KING, Katie USA 20 5 4 3 7 4
HEFFORD, Jayna Canada 16 5 3 4 7 2
POTTER, Jenny USA 12 5 1 6 7 2
MOUNSEY, Tara USA 2 5 0 7 7 4
SUNOHARA, Vicky Canada 61 5 4 2 6 6
BYE, Karyn USA 6 5 3 3 6 0
RIIPI, Katja Finland 28 5 3 3 6 6
BOTTERILL, Jennifer Canada 17 5 3 3 6 8
OUELLETTE, Caroline Canada 13 5 2 4 6 6
WENDELL, Krissy USA 17 5 1 5 6 6

Top 5 Goal Scorers

Player Country No. GP G
DARWITZ, Natalie USA 22 5 7
WICKENHEISER, Hayley Canada 22 5 7
GRANATO, Cammi USA 21 5 6
BURINA, Tatiana Russia 23 5 4
KING, Katie USA 20 5 4

Top 5 Assist Leaders

Player Country No. GP A
GOYETTE, Danielle Canada 15 5 7
MOUNSEY, Tara USA 2 5 7
POTTER, Jenny USA 12 5 6
WENDELL, Krissy USA 17 5 5
HEFFORD, Jayna Canada 16 5 4
1998 Nagano Olympics main photo
1998 Nagano Olympics poster

Team USA

Team Canada

Team Finland

Women's hockey made its debut at the Olympics Games in Nagano in 1998 with a six‐team field comprising Canada, the United States, Finland, Sweden, China and Japan. As winners of every previous Women's World Championship (1990, 1992, 1994 and 1997) Canada was expected to bring home the first women's Olympic gold medal, but the tide was clearly turning in the months leading up to the tournament. A 15‐game pre‐Olympic series between Canada and the U.S., saw the Americans post an 8‐7‐0 record. The United States also defeated Canada handily at the Three Nations Cup in Lake Placid prior to Christmas 1997.

Having won all of the medals available at the previous World Championships, Canada, the United States and Finland were clearly the class of the Women's Olympic tournament and proved it in their opening games as Canada beat Japan 13‐0, the U.S. beat China 5‐0 and Finland beat Sweden 6‐0. Canada, however, struggled through its next three games, managing only a 2‐0 win over China, a 5‐3 win over Sweden and a 4‐2 win over Finland while the Americans ran up victories of 7‐1, 4‐2 and 10‐0 over Sweden, Finland, and Japan. Leslie Reddon was struggling in goal for the Canadians, though Manon Rheaume was solid. However, the two were not providing the type of clutch goaltending the Americans were receiving from their duo of Sarah Tueting and Sara Decosta. This point was made clear when the Canadians and American met to close out the preliminary round. Reddon allowed the U.S. to score six goals in a span of 11:53 late in the third period as the Americans turned a 4‐1 deficit into a 7‐4 victory and finished with a perfect 5‐0 record. Canada was 4‐1, but would have its chance for revenge in the gold medal game.

1998 Nagano Olympics poster

Team USA

Team Canada

Team Finland

Meanwhile, Finland had proven to be the best of the rest, finishing the preliminary round with a record of 3‐2. China, who had defeated Japan and Sweden by scores of 6‐1 and 3‐1, provided the opposition for Finland in the bronze medal. The Finns were 4‐1 winners behind a goal and an assist from Rikka Nieminen, who led the tournament in scoring with 12 points on seven goals and five assists. Sarah Tueting and Manon Rheaume provided solid goaltending for their respective countries in the gold medal clash between the United States and Canada, but Tueting proved just a little bit better as the Americans carried a 2‐0 lead into the game's final minutes. Danielle Goyette (who was the tournament's leading goal‐scorer with nine goals despite the death of her father shortly before the Olympics) got Canada on the scoreboard at 15:59 of the third period, but an empty‐net goal at 19:52 sealed Canada's fate. While American captain Cammi Granato led her teammates in celebration, the Canadian women could not conceal their disappointment in taking home a silver medal from the most important tournament of their lives.

Rank Country Games Wins Losses OT Losses Points
1 USA 5 5 0 0 10
2 Canada 5 4 1 0 8
3 Finland 5 3 2 0 6
4 China 5 2 3 0 4
5 Sweden 5 1 4 0 2
6 Japan 5 0 5 0 0

Chronology

Preliminary Round

Finland 6 Sweden 0
Canada 13 Japan 0
USA 5 China 0
Finland 11 Japan 1
USA 7 Sweden 1
Canada 2 China 0
Canada 5 Sweden 3
China 6 Japan 1
USA 4 Finland 2
China 3 Sweden 1
USA 10 Japan 0
Canada 4 Finland 2
Sweden 5 Japan 0
Finland 6 China 1
USA 7 Canada 4

3rd-4th place

Finland 4 China 1

1st-2nd place

USA 3 Canada 1

Statistical Leaders

Top 10 Total Point Leaders

Player Country No. GP G A P PIM
NIEMINEN, Riikka Finland 13 6 7 5 12 4
GOYETTE, Danielle Canada 15 6 8 1 9 10
BYE, Karyn USA 6 6 5 3 8 4
GRANATO, Cammi USA 21 6 4 4 8 0
KING, Katie USA 20 6 4 4 8 2
ULION, Gretchen USA 22 6 3 5 8 4
WICKENHEISER, Hayley Canada 22 6 2 6 8 4
BRISSON, Therese Canada 6 6 5 2 7 6
HANNINEN, Kirsi Finland 20 6 4 3 7 6
BAKER, Laurie USA 8 6 4 3 7 6

Top 5 Goal Scorers

Player Country No. GP G
GOYETTE, Danielle Canada 15 6 8
NIEMINEN, Riikka Finland 13 6 7
BRISSON, Therese Canada 6 6 5
BYE, Karyn USA 6 6 5
HANNINEN, Kirsi Finland 20 6 4

Top 5 Assist Leaders

Player Country No. GP A
WICKENHEISER, Hayley Canada 22 6 6
WILSON, Stacy Canada 17 6 5
NIEMINEN, Riikka Finland 13 6 5
MERZ, Sue USA 7 6 5
ULION, Gretchen USA 22 6 5