Team USA Women’s Hockey Opens Olympic Campaign with Dominant Win Over Czechia
The U.S. women’s hockey team kicked off its 2026 Olympic run in style, delivering a commanding 5-1 victory over Czechia in Milan. This wasn’t just a showcase of star power-it was a full-team effort, with contributions up and down the lineup, including a breakout performance from a depth forward and a milestone moment for a first-time Olympian.
Scamurra, Dunne Spark Depth Scoring
It’s easy to focus on the big names on Team USA’s roster, but what makes this squad dangerous is its ability to generate offense from every line. Hayley Scamurra, skating as the team’s 13th forward, made the most of her limited ice time-just 6:45-by lighting the lamp twice. That kind of efficiency is exactly what Olympic gold runs are built on.
Then there’s Joy Dunne. Slotted on the fourth line, Dunne scored her first Olympic goal in a moment that felt like it had been building for a while.
Head coach John Wroblewski has praised Dunne’s game away from the puck-her size, her compete level, her ability to win battles and track defensively. All of that earned her a spot on this roster.
Now she’s got a goal to go with it.
Dunne’s tally came off a clean setup from Tessa Janecke and was part of a rapid-fire two-goal burst in just 1:23 that turned a tight 1-0 game into a 3-0 cushion. That quick-strike capability is something the U.S. has leaned on in past tournaments, and it was on full display here.
Knight Joins Elite Olympic Company
Hilary Knight continues to carve out her legacy as one of the greatest to ever wear the red, white, and blue. With her goal against Czechia, Knight became just the third woman in Olympic history to score in five Winter Games, joining Canadian legends Jayna Hefford and Hayley Wickenheiser.
And the way she got it? Vintage Knight.
She took a pass from Alex Carpenter in the neutral zone, powered past the defender, and finished with authority to give the U.S. a 4-1 lead. That goal marked her 13th in Olympic play-just one shy of the U.S. record held jointly by Natalie Darwitz and Katie King.
She also moved to 28 career Olympic points, four behind Jenny Potter’s all-time American record.
Knight’s goal was part of a reworked top line that featured Carpenter and Hannah Bilka. The trio already has chemistry from their time together with the PWHL’s Seattle Torrent, and it showed. Wroblewski shuffled the lines heading into this one, and the results speak for themselves.
Janecke, Carpenter Lead the Charge
While Knight grabbed the headlines, Carpenter and Janecke quietly put together strong two-point performances. Janecke, in particular, showed her versatility-shifting from first-line wing to fourth-line center and still managing to make a major impact. Her assist on Dunne’s goal was one of the game’s pivotal moments.
Laila Edwards also made history, becoming the first Black woman to play for the U.S. in Olympic women’s hockey. She added an assist in her debut, continuing her rise as one of the sport’s most promising young defenders.
Czechia’s Lone Bright Spot
Czechia’s lone goal came in an opportunistic moment. Forward Barbora Jurickova, who had just exited the penalty box after serving a minor for interference, capitalized on a breakaway to beat U.S. goalie Aerin Frankel. The play developed as the American power-play unit pressed deep into the offensive zone, and Czech forward Natálie Mlýnková made a heads-up pass to spring Jurickova.
Frankel, otherwise, had a quiet but solid outing, stopping 13 of 14 shots. On the other end, Czech goalie Klára Peslarová was under siege from the opening puck drop. She faced 42 shots and made 37 saves, keeping the scoreline more respectable than the flow of play might suggest.
Looking Ahead: U.S. Awaits Update on Finland Matchup
Team USA is slated to face Finland next, but that game is now in question. A norovirus outbreak has sidelined 13 Finnish players, leading to the postponement of their matchup with Canada.
A medical meeting is scheduled for Thursday night, and U.S. GM Katie Million noted that the IOC has yet to make a final call on whether Saturday’s game will proceed as planned.
In the meantime, Czechia turns its attention to a Friday matchup with Switzerland, hoping to bounce back after a tough opener.
Final Word
This was more than just a win for Team USA-it was a statement. The Americans showed depth, chemistry, and poise, with contributions from veterans and newcomers alike. If this game is any indication, the road to gold in Milan will run straight through the red, white, and blue.