In Milan, the Canadian women's hockey team finally embarked on their Olympic journey, overcoming a late start due to a norovirus outbreak that had postponed their initial game against Finland. Blayre Turnbull, one of the team's standout players, had earlier expressed her concerns about feeling groggy during a late-night practice on Thursday, which may have contributed to the team's slow start in their first Olympic match on Saturday.

The game opened with a scoreless first period, the Canadians dominating in almost every aspect but failing to capitalize on their chances. They eventually secured a 4-0 victory over Switzerland. The late puck drop at 9:10 p.m. local time may have played a role in the sluggish beginning, leaving room for speculation about whether the team was merely shaking off rust or if they have more significant improvements to make, as some critics suggest.

Turnbull noted, "I know personally, I didn’t feel great," referencing the practice that took the place of the postponed match. She added, "Now I know I can adjust things in my day," indicating a readiness to adapt as needed. As the game progressed, the Canadians found their rhythm, becoming faster and more productive on the ice, which boosted their confidence.

Adjustments are part and parcel of competing in the Olympics, and now that their first game is behind them, coach Troy Ryan and his staff can focus on following a tried-and-true strategy for Olympic success: improving with each game and reaching peak performance when it counts most.

A Veteran Team with a Proven Track Record

Coach Ryan expressed confidence in his seasoned team, stating, "This is a veteran group, and we’ve built the team the way we have for a reason. They know what it takes to go through an Olympic Games. They know how to have success. And they know that to win here, you’ve got to get better and better throughout the tournament." Indeed, the team includes 16 players who were part of the gold-medal-winning squad in Beijing, and they are well aware of the challenges posed by the formidable American team, their perennial rivals.

Canada's next match is scheduled against Czechia on Monday. There are three more Pool A games to play, giving the team ample opportunity to fine-tune their strategy and build momentum. The match against Switzerland was never truly in jeopardy. Historically, Canada has maintained a strong record against the Swiss, particularly in Olympic contexts.

While some might have wished for a more decisive victory, it’s important to acknowledge the Canadian team's dominance. The scoreline may not fully reflect their superiority, as Canada outshot Switzerland by a staggering margin of 55-6. Swiss goalkeeper Monja Wagner delivered an impressive performance, keeping the game closer than the statistics suggested. It's also worth noting that Switzerland had already played a match, potentially giving them a slight edge in hitting their stride.