Canada Shines Early at Milan Cortina 2026 with Hockey & Speedskating Wins
Canada has kicked off its Milano Cortina Winter Olympics campaign with a mix of triumph and promise, signaling that the nation is ready to defend its status on the world stage. On Saturday, veteran speedskater Valérie Maltais delivered a career milestone, earning Canada’s first medal of these Games. At 35, Maltais added an individual Olympic medal to her already decorated resume, skating a solid 3:56.93 in the 3,000-metre event. Her performance was not just personal—it was a morale boost for the Canadian team and a statement that experience continues to matter in high-stakes competition.
Meanwhile, Canada’s women’s hockey team displayed its dominance in the preliminary rounds, shutting out Switzerland 4-0. Goals from Sarah Fillier, Natalie Spooner, Julia Gosling and Darryl Watts showcased a balanced, aggressive offense. Claire Thompson contributed with two assists, helping solidify Canada’s reputation as a powerhouse on the ice. The victory was particularly significant given the challenges faced by the Swiss team, which had spent the previous night in isolation due to a norovirus scare. Canada’s response on the ice was calm, precise and relentless—a clear signal to competitors that they are chasing a second consecutive gold medal.
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In figure skating, young Canadian athletes are making their mark as well. Stephen Gogolev, at 21, delivered a personal-best score in his Olympic debut, landing Canada in fourth place overall in the team event standings. Marjorie Lajoie and Zachary Lagha added strong points in free dance, keeping Canada within striking distance of the leaders. These performances highlight Canada’s depth across multiple disciplines and the potential for further podium finishes as the Games progress.
The host nation, Italy, celebrated its own successes, with Francesca Lollobrigida claiming gold in the women’s 3,000-metre speedskating race, setting an Olympic record in the process. Swiss skier Franjo von Allmen also impressed with a downhill victory on his Olympic debut. These early results show that while Canada is performing strongly, the competition is intense and every event carries the potential for surprises.
For Canada, the early momentum is critical. Strong performances in speedskating, hockey and figure skating set a foundation for medal contention across multiple events. Each success builds confidence and keeps the spotlight on Canadian athletes as the Games unfold. The pressure will be on to maintain this level of excellence, but Saturday’s performances suggest the team is ready to rise to the challenge.
Stay with us for live updates and in-depth coverage of every race, skate and match, keeping you connected to Canada’s journey at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
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