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Two underdogs in Group B begin their Olympic journey on Thursday, as the hosts, Italy, get set to take on France in women’s hockey action.
- Watch the Olympics on Peacock
This year’s women’s tournament is one of the most highly anticipated events in recent memory. Not only because of the excitement of the United States taking on Canada, but also because of the introduction of the Professional Women’s Hockey League, players from all around the globe are showing their talents nightly.
This will be the first time the women’s team has competed at the top tier of a major international tournament. France has never made it to the Olympics, nor the top division of the IIHF Women’s World Championship. If France were to have any success, Chloe Aurard-Bushee has to step up. The former New York Sirens forward has been on the French national team since she was 16 years old. She signed with ZSC Lions Frauen, a member of the top women’s league in Switzerland, after she was released by the Boston Fleet prior to the 2025-26 season.
Italy has only ever competed at the Olympics once, that coming the last time Italy hosted the Winter Games in 2006. The team finished last in the eight-team tournament. They have a chance to turn some heads in the lesser Group B, though a quarterfinal berth will be tough.
WOMEN’S HOCKEY
Italy vs. France
When: Thursday, February 5
Time: 8:40 a.m. ET
Where: Milano Santagiulia IHO Arena (Milan, Italy)
Stream: Peacock