Canada’s 23 players tasked with defending Olympic gold in women’s hockey have been unveiled.

Canada carries a wealth of Olympic experience with 16 players returning from the 2022 edition, but faces a significant hurdle posed by archrival the United States to repeat at the Milan Cortina Games.

The 13 forwards, seven defenders and three goalies announced Friday by Hockey Canada in Toronto will open defence of the gold medal Feb. 5 against Finland in Milan, Italy.

The forwards announced were Laura Stacey, Sarah Fillier, Brianne Jenner, Emily Clark, Emma Maltais, Sarah Nurse, Marie-Philip Poulin, Kristin O’Neill, Blayre Turnbull, Jennifer Gardiner, Daryl Watts and Natalie Spooner.