By: Alexis Caines | Follow me on Twitter/X @alexiscaines_
USA Hockey and Hockey Canada split their pre-tournament series 1-1 last week. The two games gave fans their first taste of what’s to come for the Professional Women’s Hockey League season.
The first game was held in Windsor, Ontario, where Canada won 5-3. Hockey Canada had a new look compared with its previous teams, prioritizing younger talent. The U.S. mounted a late rally, but it ultimately fell short.
On Friday night, the teams met again in Plymouth, Michigan, where USA Hockey recorded a dominant 4-0 win over their rivals. The U.S. is looking to defend both their Olympic Gold from the 2026 Milano Cortina Games and their 2025 Women’s Worlds Championship.
With two games under their belts, the two teams are headed to Denmark to join eight other nations for the 2026 Women’s Worlds. The tournament is held from November 6-16, with PWHL training camps beginning on November 18th.
Boston Fleet Trio for USA Hockey
Haley Winn, Megan Keller and Aerin Frankel all made Team USA’s roster, as expected. Each of the three played a huge role in the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Gold.
The defensive duo suited up for both pre-tournament games. Keller was on the top d-pairing with PWHL San Jose’s Laila Edwards for both games. Winn paired with 2026 1st-overall pick, Caroline “KK” Harvey.
Neither Fleet player recorded points in the two matches. It’s not worrisome, but it’s something to watch heading into the tournament.
Frankel started between the pipes in the USA Hockey loss on Wednesday night. She made 14 saves on 18 shots for a 0.778 SV%.
The sample size is extremely small, making it hard to judge her from it. Fleet fans shouldn’t be worried, as she has made a case for herself over the past year as to why she can be called one of the best goaltenders in the world.
The Fleet trio and the Americans return to action on Friday, November 6th, for a preliminary matchup against Sweden. Then they’ll play Germany, Austria, and Czechia to round out the preliminary.
Boston Fleet Players at Worlds
Not just the gold medalists will be representing the Boston Fleet abroad! Two more are headed to Denmark.
Laura Kluge will be representing Team Germany, and Susanna Tapani will be representing Team Finland.
Worlds can be a good way for the five players to settle into the season before it even begins. Having them already warmed up headed into camp can hopefully spark a strong start to the PWHL season.
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