Team USA opened its women’s hockey campaign at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics in dominant fashion, skating to a 5–1 victory over Czechia in Group A play behind a balanced offensive effort and strong leadership from captain Hilary Knight.
The matchup began at a measured pace, but once the Americans found their rhythm, they controlled the game in nearly every facet. The U.S. set the tone late in the first period when Alex Carpenter scored on the power play with 4:05 remaining, planting herself in front of the net and redirecting a puck past the Czech goaltender. Laila Edwards and Megan Keller assisted on the play after Czechia’s Dominika Laskova was penalized for an illegal check to the head/neck area. Team USA dominated possession early, outshooting Czechia 14–3 in the opening period.
The Americans quickly built momentum in the second period. Joy Dunne scored her first career Olympic goal early in the frame, finishing a setup from Tessa Janecke to extend the lead to 2–0. Just 1:23 later, Hayley Scamurra capitalized on another Janecke assist, giving the United States a commanding 3–0 advantage.
Czechia responded shortly afterward. Following a successful penalty kill, Barbora Jurickova exited the penalty box, received a long pass, and beat U.S. goaltender Aerin Frankel on a breakaway to score Czechia’s first goal of the tournament and cut the deficit to 3–1.
The momentary pushback didn’t slow Team USA for long. Veteran leader Hilary Knight, competing in her fifth Olympic Games, delivered one of the game’s signature moments. Skating up the right wing, Knight cut toward the middle and snapped a shot over the goalie’s right shoulder to restore a three-goal cushion late in the second period.
Scamurra added her second goal of the game later to seal the 5–1 victory, putting the finishing touch on a strong opening performance for the Americans.
With offensive contributions spread across the lineup and steady play in net from Frankel, Team USA showed the depth and experience that make it a leading contender in the tournament. The win gives the Americans early momentum as they continue their quest for Olympic gold in Milan Cortina.
