GETTING ACCLIMATED
Team USA had its first full day in Dmitrov, Russia, as it continues to get acclimated to the home site of the 2018 IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship. The U.S. skated on the main rink of the Ice Palace from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. before hopping back on the ice for a second session from 7-8:45 p.m. In total, the Ice Palace has four full-sized ice sheets, two of which will be utilized in the competition.

LEADERSHIP GROUP NAMED
Forward Taylor Heise (Lake City, Minn.) has been named captain of the 2018 U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team, while Gracie Ostertag (Shakopee, Minn.), Dominique Petrie (Beverly Hills, Calif.) and Madeline Wethington (Edina, Minn.) were tabbed alternate captains. All four players were part of the gold medal-winning 2017 U.S. Under-18 Women's National Team, while Heise, Ostertag and Wethington also helped the 2016 U.S. squad earn gold in St. Catharines, Ontario. Watch the video below to hear from Heise after being named captain.