OLYMPICS: Ice hockey-Italy out to shock the hockey world, says coach Bouchard

MILAN — Italy’s women’s ice hockey team may be underdogs at their home Winter Olympics, but coach Eric Bouchard says his squad is ready to surprise the hockey world at Milano Cortina.

Bouchard, who took over as head coach in late October, spent two and a half months in his native Canada for a training camp, giving him confidence in his players’ preparation.

“The group has been so dialed in since I started with the team,” Bouchard said. “I like the response of the group. The leadership has been phenomenal. The time we had in Montreal was a big step forward, and we’re looking forward to the first game.”

Italy is in Group B alongside Sweden, Germany, Japan, and France, whom they face in their opening match on Thursday.

“Right now, our focus is on game one—especially the first period,” Bouchard said. “We want to start strong. We know it’s going to be a tough battle against France, and it should be exciting.”

With Italy playing in only their second Olympics, expectations are low. They qualified automatically as hosts in both 2006 and 2026. But Bouchard remains optimistic.

“People are doubting us, but we don’t care. We focus on ourselves,” he said. “We want to shock the hockey world. We’re confident in our preparation and know we can compete against anyone. We’re staying in the moment and taking it one game at a time.”

Bouchard also hopes the team can boost the profile of women’s hockey in Italy, where the sport receives little attention.

“These women are incredible role models for the next generation of girls,” he said. “I’m sure this will inspire more young girls to start playing hockey and to dream of representing Italy in the Olympics someday.”

-Reporting by Trevor Stynes; Editing by Toby Davis/Reuters