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The first hockey game in Milan is set to get underway on Thursday, as Sweden and Germany get set to square off in the marquee Group B matchup.
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.
The Swedes have competed in every women’s tournament at the Winter Games since its inception in 1998. However, it’s been a long time since they’ve been considered medal contenders. After winning bronze in 2002, and a Cinderella run to silver four years later, you’d have to go back to 2014 to find the last time Damkronorna made it to the semifinals at the Olympics. Sweden’s best finish in a major tournament since was a fifth-place result in the 2016 IIHF Women’s World Championship.
This is just the fourth time that Germany has qualified for the Olympics, and first since the Winter Games in Sochi in 2014. In their first three appearances – including 2002 and 2006 – Träger der Adler reached the quarterfinals, with the team finishing fifth in Turin 20 years ago.
WOMEN’S HOCKEY
Sweden vs. Germany
When: Thursday, February 5
Time: 6:10 a.m. ET
Where: Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena (Milan, Italy)
Stream: Peacock