Photo by Hockey Canada

Hockey Canada has named 23 players that will head south of the border to wear the Maple Leaf in a two-game series against the United States, set for Nov. 8-10 in Cranberry Township, Pa., just outside of Pittsburgh.

Canada’s National Women’s Team will take on the United States at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex on Friday, Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. ET and Sunday, Nov. 10 at 1 p.m. ET.

Following the recent cancellation of the 2019 4 Nations Cup in Sweden due to a player boycott, Hockey Canada and USA Hockey joined together for the series as a way for both nations to showcase the top players in a friendly competition, while using the games as preparation for the 2020 IIHF Women’s World Championship, March 31-April 10 in Halifax and Truro, N.S.

“This is a unique season for our national team, and the opportunity to play the United States will compliment the variety of camps and programs we have scheduled to ensure our athletes are competing at the highest level,” said Gina Kingsbury (Rouyn-Noranda, Que.), director of women’s national teams. “Working with USA Hockey on this series will not only provide fans an opportunity to watch the best players from both countries, it will benefit our program as we continue to evaluate our athletes in advance of the world championship.”

Canada’s roster was selected by head coach Troy Ryan (Spryfield, N.S.) and associate coach Perry Pearn (Stettler, Alta.), alongside Kingsbury and Melody Davidson (Oyen, Alta.), head scout for women’s national teams.

Canada and the U.S. have a storied history that has built through showdowns at the world championship and Olympics. In 147 all-time meetings, Canada has 83 wins, including 15 in overtime, and one tie.