In Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic, the United States women’s hockey team started off their World Championship campaign in style with a commanding 7-1 victory against Finland. Hayley Scamurra and Kelly Pannek shone on the rink, each scoring two goals to aid the U.S. in their triumph during the opening match. Captain Hilary Knight, making her 15th appearance in the world championships, added a goal and an assist, while Taylor Heise mirrored her performance. Lee Stecklein also contributed to the U.S. goal tally.
The American goalkeeper, Aerin Frankel, was formidable between the posts, blocking 19 Finnish shots in this Group A face-off. Despite Finland’s efforts, Petra Nieminen managed to score the only goal for her team on a power play. “It was a big win,” Knight remarked, acknowledging Finland’s strength and praising her team’s cohesive gameplay and outstanding individual performances.
Scamurra kicked off the scoreboard just 2:44 minutes into the game with a swift rebound, quickly extending the lead. Pannek then made it 3-0 from the slot before closing the game with another score in the final period. Stecklein marked her return to the U.S. team after a hiatus focused on the PWHL with a goal from a backhand shot in the second period.
In another Group A encounter, the Czech Republic celebrated a 3-0 shutout victory over Switzerland. Czech players Klára Hymlárová, Kristýna Kaltounková, and Tereza Pišt?ková each scored to secure the win, while goaltender Klára Peslarová held strong, making 26 saves to maintain the shutout.
Over in Group B, Sweden enjoyed success with a 5-2 win against Germany. Hanna Thuvik initiated the scoring 10:34 into the game, with Mira Hallin extending the lead in the second period. Although Germany’s Luisa Welcke and Emily Nix tried to narrow the gap, Anna Kjellbin and Thea Johansson’s goals, along with Hanna Olsson’s empty-net finish, sealed the win for Sweden.
As the competition progresses, the U.S., alongside defending champions Canada, are considered favorites, rekindling their renowned rivalry. Canada has clinched 13 world titles, while the U.S. boasts 10, dominating the championship’s history. Besides these two, Finland has been the only team to break into the finals, dating back to its 2019 appearance.
Canada is set to commence its title defense against Finland on Thursday, within the framework of a 12-day tournament hosted in Ceske Budejovice. This event serves as an essential precursor to the 2026 Winter Games in Italy. The tournament features a preliminary round with two groups, from which all participants from Group A and the top three from Group B will proceed to the playoffs. Teams finishing in the bottom of Group B face relegation, with Japan, Norway, and Hungary completing the lineup in this group.