Canada’s women’s hockey team concerned about U.S.

The first hint of concern regarding the readiness of Canada’s women’s hockey team was raised by coach Troy Ryan two days before the defending Olympic champions opened their four-game Rivalry Series against the United States last month.

- By JOHN WAWROW

Whatever advantage Canada might have in returning a veteran roster with an edge in international experience isn’t enough to make a difference once the puck drops, Ryan told the Associated Press then. What worried him particularly after a sloppy practice was his players using that experience as a crutch.

“Sometimes what happens with experienced teams that have experienced a lot together, complacency can creep in,” he said.

“When you have trust in people, a lot of times you trust and trust and trust, and it can end up working against you,” Ryan added. “So, ‘Oh, we'll be fine. Our passing will get better. We'll be better come the Olympics,’ I don’t believe in that. ... So that’s the challenge. How do you keep pushing? How do you keep finding ways to improve?”

A month and three lopsided losses later, in which the U.S. has outscored Canada by a combined 20-6, Ryan's concerns haven't abated.

With less than two months before the women’s tournament opens in Milan, questions are being raised about not only complacency, but whether the Canadians have the wherewithal to keep up with their speedier and younger US. rivals.