Representation for ice hockey in Nagano will not only feature players who are professional, but also female.

For the first time since the sport debuted as a medal game in 1924, women from six nations will compete for gold. In addition to the host Japanese, the United States, Finland, China and Sweden look to upend the favored Canadian squad.

Canada’s international reign includes victories in all four of the World Women’s Championship tournaments. In each of the finals, they’ve defeated an improving American roster, including a 4-3 overtime victory this past April.

The anticipation on both sides is such that they believe they’ll meet for the fifth straight time February 17 to decide whose necks will be decorated with a gold medal. However, the new rivals won’t have to wait that long to evaluate their chances. They’ll take the ice eight times prior to the Olympics. There is also a strong possibility for a ninth clash as part of the NHL All-Star Weekend Festivities. Unconfirmed as of publication, the Americans and the Canadians would play an exhibition game January 17, the eve of the league’s mid-winter classic.

Preparation for the international tournament is already underway. Canada opened its camp Sept. 5 in Calgary, looking to add just eight players to the list of 20 who represented them in the Worlds.

United States hopefuls convened in the ironic setting of Lake Placid, N.Y. August 21-26 to vie for one of the 24 roster spots.

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