The first hint of concern regarding the readiness of Canada’s women’s hockey team was raised by coach Troy Ryan two days before the defending Olympic champions opened their four-game Rivalry Series against the United States last month.

Whatever advantage Canada might have in returning a veteran roster with an edge in international experience isn’t enough to make a difference once the puck drops, Ryan told The Associated Press then. What worried him particularly after a sloppy practice was his players using that experience as a crutch.

“Sometimes what happens with experienced teams that have experienced a lot together, complacency can creep in,” he said.

“When you have trust in people, a lot of times you trust and trust and trust, and it can end up working against you,” Ryan added. “So,

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