TORONTO -- There’s an area in Hockey Canada’s Calgary-based headquarters known as the Hockey Shrine. It’s a meeting space full of photos of and tributes to championship Canadian teams of the past, whether they be from the Olympics, Canada Cup, World Cup of Hockey, World Junior Championship, World Championship -- the list goes on.

Team Canada will begin its chase for a gold medal against Team Switzerland in the Women’s Ice Hockey Tournament at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics on Saturday, February 7.

The Canadians will begin their Olympic women's hockey title defence on Saturdayafternoon in Milan, Italy. Once again, the Americans look to be the biggest barrier between Canada and another gold medal.

"The decision was taken following consultations with medical professionals after cases of norovirus were identified within Team Finland," the International Olympic Committee, Milano Cortina Organising Committee, International Ice Hockey Federation, Team Finland and Team Canada said in a joint statement.

By Amy Tennery and Trevor Stynes MILAN, Feb 7 (Reuters) - Germany secured their first win of the women's Olympic ice hockey tournament, beating Japan 5-2 on Saturday, hosts Italy lost 6-1 to Sweden while defending champions Canada prepared for their delayed Milano Cortina opener against Switzerland.