Olympic-level hockey is coming to Boise in November. And it’s the world’s top 2 teams

The highest level of women’s ice hockey is headed to Boise.

The U.S. Women’s National Team will face its Canadian counterparts at 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10, at Idaho Central Arena in the third game of the five-game 2024-25 Rivalry Series. Women’s hockey became an Olympic sport in 1998, and in six of the seven Winter Games it’s been contested, these two teams have squared off for the gold medal.

“We are extremely excited to welcome both Team USA and Team Canada to Boise,” Idaho Steelheads President Eric Trapp said in a news release.

“The growth of hockey in the Treasure Valley has continued to flourish over the years, and we are looking forward to expanding the game further as we welcome some of the best athletes in the world to our city come the fall.”

Tickets for the game are already on sale and range from $35 to $60 on ticketmaster.com.

Last year’s series went seven games. Team USA grabbed a 3-0 lead but eventually lost the series 4-3. The rivalry series was first introduced in 2018-19 to provide additional visibility for women’s hockey and showcase the best players in the world, according to USA Hockey.

Canada has had the upper hand in the Olympics as well, winning gold five times. The U.S. won gold in ‘98 and then ended a Canadian streak by winning again in 2018.

The two teams also dominate the IIHF Ice Hockey Women’s World Championships, with Canada defeating the U.S. 6-5 in overtime to win gold this year. The U.S. last won gold in that event in 2023, and also won five golds in a row from 2013-19. The championships have sometimes not been held during Olympic years.

The United States hosts the first three games of the Rivalry Series, beginning Nov. 6 at Tech CU Arena in San Jose, California, followed by a Nov. 8 game at the Maverik Center in West Valley City, Utah, before coming to Boise.

Canada will host the final two games in February 2025 at Scotiabank Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia (Feb. 6), and Credit Union Place in Summerside, Prince Edward Island (Feb. 8).

NHL Network is expected to broadcast all five games of the series.

Hilary Knight, who lives in Sun Valley, has represented U.S. hockey in four Winter Olympics, winning gold in 2018 and silver in 2010, 2014 and 2022. It is unknown whether she will be playing for Team USA in the series.