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2023 U18 Women's Worlds Insider | Team USA Wins Bronze!

By USA Hockey, 01/15/23, 11:00AM EST

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Follow along with Team USA's journey at the 2023 IIHF Under-18 Women's World Championship

The 2023 IIHF Under-18 Women's World Championship will take place January 8-15, 2023, in Östersund, Sweden. Scroll for an inside look at Team USA's journey.

 

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January 15 | Team USA Wins Bronze!

ÖSTERSUND, Sweden – Nine different players tallied points, as  Annelies Bergmann (Detroit, Mich.) made 23 saves to lift the U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team to a 5-0 shutout win over Finland to claim Bronze at the 2023 Under-18 Women’s World Championship.

“We really had a great start. We were ready to go today,” Katie Lachapelle (Lewiston, Maine), 2023 U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team head coach said. “We were getting pucks deep and getting good rushes when we could. I’m really proud of the way they played today and bounced back.”

To read the full recap, click HERE


January 14 | Team USA 1, Sweden 2

ÖSTERSUND, Sweden – The U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team fell to Sweden, 2-1, in the semifinal round of the IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship on Saturday.

Despite the loss, Team USA will play again on Sunday in the bronze medal game. Puck drop is set for 10 a.m. ET and will be broadcast live on NHL Network. The U.S.’ opponent will be determined by the second semifinal game between Canada and Finland.

“We had a little bit of a slow start there,” Katie Lachapelle (Lewiston, Maine), head coach of the 2023 U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team said. “We lost a little bit of gas there and their goaltender was fantastic. We didn’t do a good job of getting pucks deep. It’s a good group and it’s a shame we couldn’t come out on top.”

To read the full recap, click HERE


January 13 | One Sleep 'Till Semis

With one day remaining until the U.S. lines up against Sweden in the semifinals of the 2023 IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship, the team spent the day getting physically and mentally prepared for the game. Following a morning of meetings, the team hit the ice at Östersund Arena, for the final practice of the tournament. 

The team worked hard, while also enjoying and embracing the moment that sits before them tomorrow. 

"Whenever you have the opportunity to advance in an international tournament, it's always exciting," Katie Lachapelle (Lewiston, Maine), 2023 U.S. Under-18 Women's National Team head coach said. "We have a great opportunity before us tomorrow against Sweden and I know our team will be prepared and ready."

GET TO KNOW…#3, GABBY KIM

Throughout the IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship journey, we’ll regularly feature fun facts and tidbits about players to help you get to know Team USA. Today, it’s defender, Gabby Kim.

NAME: Gabby Kim
POSITION: Defender
HOMETOWN: Los Angeles, Calif.  
MOST RECENT TEAM: Shattuck-St. Mary’s
COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Princeton University

ON HER EXCITEMENT FOR THE 2023 IIHF UNDER-18 WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: “I’m excited about working towards bringing home the gold with a bunch of amazing girls that are competitive and talented. It’s a great environment to be a part of.”

ON REPRESENTING THE U.S. ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE: “It means everything. It’s everything I’ve ever worked for in my life. It’s such an honor. I don’t know how to put it into words, it’s such an incredible feeling.”

HER FAVORITE HOCKEY MEMORY: “I don’t know why I remember it so vividly, but when I was first learning how to play, I scored my very first goal with a wooden stick. I think it had Alex Ovechkin on it, I was six.”

THE COOLEST PLACE HOCKEY HAS TAKEN HER: “Probably Sweden. Everything is so close together and compact. It’s clean and really nice.”


January 12 | Enjoying An Off Day

With the preliminary round in Team USA’s rearview mirror, and a quarterfinal-round bye in its pocket, the team used its bye day as a full day off; no practice, no meetings, just a day to relax and spend time exploring with friends and family. 

Many players spent the day out and about in Östersund, shopping, exploring the winter scenery and enjoying a meal with teammates, friends and family. The coaching staff, also had some fun, skating on the outdoor rink, right outside Östersund Arena. A few locals joined in as the game got some competitive juices flowing. 

GEARING UP FOR SWEDEN

After earning a bye through the quarterfinal round, Team USA will face host-country Sweden in the semifinals on Sat. (Jan. 14). Puck drop is set for 4 p.m. local time, 10 a.m. ET and will be broadcast live on NHL Network. 

The U.S. previously met Sweden in the first game of the preliminary round, emerging victorious, 6-3. The teams played a tight match, before a three-goal third period from Team USA pulled them ahead, 6-3. 

GET TO KNOW…#30, ANNELIES BERGMANN

Throughout the IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship journey, we’ll regularly feature fun facts and tidbits about players to help you get to know Team USA. Today, it’s goaltender, Annelies Bergmann.

NAME: Annelies Bergmann
POSITION: Goaltender
HOMETOWN: Detroit, Mich. 
MOST RECENT TEAM: Oakland Jr. Grizzlies
COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Cornell University

ON HER EXCITEMENT FOR THE 2023 IIHF UNDER-18 WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: “I’m excited about the chance to have another shot at achieving our goals, winning gold.”

ON REPRESENTING THE U.S. ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE: “It means everything. I’m just super proud. I love being from the United States, so to be able to represent it, and wear that jersey, you just get chills when people are chanting ‘u-s-a’ or hearing the anthem after a win.”

HER FAVORITE HOCKEY MEMORY: “Last year at the 2022 Under-18 Women’s World Championship in Madison, Wis. We were all standing on the blue line after a win over Sweden. The rink was full and we were hearing the chants of ‘u-s-a.’ There were goosebumps all over my body.”

THE COOLEST PLACE HOCKEY HAS TAKEN HER: “Sweden, I love coming to Europe, so this is really cool.”


January 11 | Team USA 1, Canada 3

ÖSTERSUND, Sweden – The U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team fell in the final preliminary-round game to Canada, 3-1, at the 2023 IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship on Wednesday. 

Despite the loss, Team USA finished preliminary-round play, 2-0-0-1 and clinched a quarterfinal bye and will learn its opponent in the semifinals based on quarterfinal results. The game time will also be determined based on game action in the quarterfinals tomorrow. 

To read the full recap, click HERE.


January 10 | When The 'Rents Come To Town

With the U.S. competing in Sweden, many family members have made the journey across the Atlantic to cheer on and support Team USA in person. Parents and siblings have descended upon Östersund, exploring the city and country in between bringing the noise to the arena each and every game. The players are excited to have their families in town and feed off the love and ‘U-S-A’ chants that ring out from their section during the game. 

With over 50 family members in town, the parents have made friends everywhere they go, including Sir Winston, a restaurant (or restaurang if you’re speaking Swedish) in the downtown area of Östersund they've made their home base. The owner has dubbed his place the ‘unofficial restaurant of USA Hockey families’ and even hung an American flag out front so everyone knows who they’re rooting for. 

TALKIN’ BOUT PRACTICE

After back-to-back wins to open the tournament, Team USA was back on the ice for practice. 

Wednesday marks the team’s final preliminary-round game, against rival Canada, so today’s time on the ice was a good way to reset and focus on the next opponent. 

Every practice the team ends with either one of two games, a shootout competition, or a slapshot competition. Today was a slapshot competition. Players line up in two parallel lines going up the ice, aligned with the goal posts. Coach Brianna Decker feeds a pass to one player, who either rips a slapshot or passes to another teammate, who then rips a slapshot. Players must put the puck in the back of the net, or they get eliminated. 

GET TO KNOW…#4, MOLLY JORDAN

Throughout the IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship journey, we’ll regularly feature fun facts and tidbits about players to help you get to know Team USA. Today, it’s defender and assistant captain, Molly Jordan.

NAME: Molly Jordan
POSITION: Defender
HOMETOWN: Berlin, Conn.
MOST RECENT TEAM: Selects Academy (N.Y.)
COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Boston College

ON HER EXCITEMENT FOR THE 2023 IIHF UNDER-18 WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: “I’m excited about being able to play at the highest level with some of the best players in the country. It’s something really special that I don’t take for granted.”

ON REPRESENTING THE U.S. ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE: “It’s pretty surreal. Last year I looked up to my assistant captains and captain of last year’s team. It was always something I wished I could do one day, and now it’s happening. I can’t wait to accomplish our goals with this team.”

HER FAVORITE HOCKEY MEMORY: “It’s a funny story. When I was learning to skate at a rink near my house, my dad and his best friend would switch. My dad’s best friend would take me to skate because all I would do is cry and complain all the time. We’ve grown from there, so I’m thankful for that.”

THE COOLEST PLACE HOCKEY HAS TAKEN HER: “I would say Sweden, where we are right now.”


January 9 | Team USA 8, Finland 1

ÖSTERSUND, Sweden – Behind a four-point (3G, 1A) performance from forward Maggie Scannell (Wynanskill, N.Y.), the U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team topped Finland, 8-1, in the second game of preliminary-round action at the 2023 IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship. 

To read the full recap, click HERE.


January 8 | Team USA 6, Sweden 3

ÖSTERSUND, Sweden – Following a three-goal third period, The U.S. Under-18 Women's National Team topped Sweden, 6-3, in the opening game of the International Ice Hockey Federation Under-18 Women’s World Championship in Östersund on Sunday.

For the full recap, click HERE.


January 7 | 'Twas The Night Before Puck Drop

Saturday was the Team USA’s first full day is Östersund. The team had a full day at the rink, starting with picture day, where the official team photo and headshots were taken. 

Keep an eye out on @USAHockey’s official channels to see the photo in the coming days. 

Following the team photo, the U.S. took the ice for its first official practice at Östersund Arena, home of the 2023 IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship. Hear what goaltender Annelies Bergmann and defender Molly Jordan had to say about being 24 hours out from puck drop. 

FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE 2023 IIHF UNDER-18 WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

  1. The 2023 IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship is taking place at Östersund Arena in Östersund, Sweden from Jan. 8-15, 2023. Östersund Arena has two rinks and can hold up to 2,700 spectators for a hockey game and is home to Östersunds IK, a Swedish ice hockey club. 
  2. The 2023 tournament marks just the second time overall, and first time since 2011, Sweden has hosted the Under-18 Women’s World Championship. The 2011 IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship was held in Stockholm, Sweden. Team USA swept the tournament, winning gold. Current U.S. Women’s National Team members, Hannah Brandt (Vadnais Heights, Minn.), Alex Carpenter (North Reading, Mass.) and Lee Stecklein (Roseville, Minn.) were all members of that team. Additionally, 2014 Olympian Michelle Picard and 2018 Olympians Amanda PelkeyEmily Pfalzer and Haley Skarupa were also on the roster. 
  3. Team USA will join Canada, Finland, and Sweden in Group A, while Czechia, Slovakia, Switzerland, and Japan will compete in Group B.  
  4. The 2023 tournament is the first U18 women’s world championship since 2020 that is being played during its usual annual timeframe. The 2021 championship was cancelled due to COVID and the 2022 championship was rescheduled to June 2022 in Madison, Wis. due to the pandemic as well. 
  5. Östersund, Sweden is a city of 50,000 people in the middle of the Jämtland province. The city, which is a six hour bus ride from Stockholm is located in the middle of the northern part of the country.

January 6 | On The Road To Östersund

Friday marked a busy day for Team USA as they hit the ice early for one last pre-camp practice in Sundsvall before hoping on the bus for a three-hour drive to Östersund. Östersund is northwest of Sundsvall, further inland than Sundsvall and where the championship will take place. 

Practice was loose and fun, with everyone excited to finally get to Östersund to start playing games. 

"We learned a ton throughout pre-camp, but we're excited and ready to head up to Östersund to start the championship," Katie Lachapelle (Lewiston, Maine), head coach of the 2023 U.S. Under-18 Women's National Team said. "This is a fun group to coach and I can't wait to see them put it all together starting Sunday."

Today was also a special day, because it was forward Allie Lalonde’s birthday!! The team celebrated by singing her ‘happy birthday,’ and enjoying cupcakes. 

HOW TO WATCH TEAM USA IN SWEDEN

With the championship set to drop the puck on Sunday, fans from all around the country can follow Team USA's journey live. 

All Team USA games will be available live in the U.S. on either NHL Network or ESPN+. All three U.S. preliminary-round games will air live on NHL Network, while the broadcasting schedule for the playoff rounds will be dependent on game schedule. 

Click HERE to find NHL Network near you and click HERE for Team USA's full schedule. 


January 5 | A Day Off In Sundsvall

A DESERVED DAY OFF

After five days of intense practices, Team USA was given the day off the ice on Thursday. Following a set of meetings in the morning, players used the day to explore Sundsvall and catch up on rest before hitting the road to Östersund in the morning. 

Right before dinner, the coaching staff hosted a game night with the team, quizzing the players on all things USA Hockey and U.S. Women’s National Team Program trivia. One of the bonus questions? What is Coach Decker’s favorite app? Instacart. 

SUNRISE, SUNSET

Since the team is practicing so far north in Sweden, there is only around seven hours of sunlight each day, with the sun rising at 9 a.m. and setting by 4 p.m. 

Since it is so cold, the snow and ice do not melt off the sidewalks and roads. To help with traction, the Swedish use gravel instead of sand or salt like in the U.S. 

GET TO KNOW…#24, MAGGIE SCANNELL

Throughout the IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship journey, we’ll regularly feature fun facts and tidbits about players to help you get to know Team USA. Today, it’s forward and assistant captain, Maggie Scannell.


NAME: Maggie Scannell
POSITION: Forward
HOMETOWN: Wynatskill, N.Y.
MOST RECENT TEAM: Shattuck-St. Mary’s
COLLEGE COMMITMENT: University of Wisconsin

ON HER EXCITEMENT FOR THE 2023 IIHF UNDER-18 WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: “I’m so excited to be here. We have such a special group here. I’m excited to see what we can do and I know we’re going to all work really hard and battle through each game.”

ON REPRESENTING THE U.S. ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE: “I’m so grateful for this opportunity. It’s such an amazing feeling to wear the Team USA jersey and I’m just so excited.”

HER FAVORITE HOCKEY MEMORY: “In my backyard we have an outdoor rink each year. Now it’s with my sister, she’s eight, but when I was growing up, I would skate back there with my brother and my dad. We used to have a light on and skate around until dark. I loved it.”

THE COOLEST PLACE HOCKEY HAS TAKEN HER: “Definitely Sweden. I’m so excited to be here and explore the country.”


January 4 | Team USA Falls In Exhibition Action

U.S. FALLS 1-0 IN EXHIBITION ACTION AGAINST SWEDEN

SUNDSVALL, Sweden – The U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team fell, 1-0, to Sweden on Wednesday in pre-tournament play at the NHC Arena in Sundsvall, Sweden. 

“We did some really good things today on the ice,” Katie Lachapelle (Lewiston, Maine), head coach of the 2023 U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team said. “We had a lot of offensive zone time and I thought we played pretty well in the neutral zone too. We just have to get a few pucks in the next. Now our focus in moving toward the tournament. I’m happy with the way we played, just not the result.”

The two sides played a scoreless game until 2:49 remaining in the third period. With Sweden up a skater, a long shot took an odd bounce and found the back of the net for the deciding tally. Through the game, Team USA registered a strong offensive showing, keeping play in the Swedish end for most of the game. 

The team will take a deserved off day tomorrow, before wrapping up the final day of pre-camp on Friday. 

GET TO KNOW…NO. 21, JOY DUNNE
Throughout the IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship journey, we’ll regularly feature fun facts and tidbits about players to help you get to know Team USA. Today, it’s forward and captain, Joy Dunne.

NAME: Joy Dunne
POSITION: Forward
HOMETOWN: O’Fallon, Mo.
MOST RECENT TEAM: St. Louis Lady Blues 19U
COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Ohio State University

ON HER EXCITEMENT FOR THE 2023 IIHF UNDER-18 WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: “I’m excited to get playing with the group of girls we have now. We’re just having a bunch of fun. It’s really exciting and a great opportunity for all of us. We’re just enjoying every moment and taking it practice-by-practice. We’re fired up and ready to go.”

ON REPRESENTING THE U.S. ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE: “It’s been a dream of mine since I was a little girl. It’s such an honor actually being here, it’s surreal, especially with this group of teammates, who I absolutely love. I’m excited to wear the jersey, be proud and go for the gold.”

HER FAVORITE HOCKEY MEMORY: “During the pandemic all of my siblings were home in Missouri, which is a rare occasion due to all of our hockey schedules. We started practicing together and we absolutely loved it, because we just had so much fun. We weren’t playing for anything, we were just playing for fun. We are a very competitive family, so we got a lot out of it. It showed me how much I really do love hockey and especially love my siblings. It was great.”

THE COOLEST PLACE HOCKEY HAS TAKEN HER: “I went to the PeeWee Quebec tournament up in Quebec, Canada and that was amazing. They go all out for that tournament and we got to do a bunch of different things out there. The snow was 10-feet high at that point. We were 12 at the time and were loving it.”


January 3 | Dunne Named Captain; Scannell and Jordan Named Alternate Captains

Forward Joy Dunne (O’Fallon, Mo.) has been named captain of the 2023 U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team it was announced today. In addition, forward Maggie Scannell (Wynantskill, N.Y.) and defender Molly Jordan (Berlin, Conn.) have been selected as alternate captains. 

The announcement came after a team vote in night prior to Team USA's first pre-tournament game against Sweden on Wed., January 4, at 4 p.m. local time, 10 a.m. ET. A live stream of the scrimmage can be found HERE.

The Team USA captains for the 2023 IIHF Under-18 Women's World Championship.

“This team is going to have great leaders with Joy, Molly and Maggie. I think our team took a lot of time and put a lot of thought into the process and who they felt could lead this team. They did a fantastic job picking their leaders and we couldn’t be happier.” -Katie Lachapelle, head coach of 2023 U.S. Under-18 National Team 

DUNNE, SCANNELL AND JORDAN ON BEING VOTED TO TEAM LEADERSHIP:

“It’s a great honor,” Dunne said. “I don’t have many words for it, I’m kind of speechless. I’m just very thankful that the team saw me that way. I love this team and they trust me as their captain and I appreciate that. I’m super grateful and honored that they see me that way. I'm honored to have the team, and my assistant captains, who are two amazing players themselves, there to back me up.”

“It’s a real honor,” Jordan said. “I have two awesome partners to work with. I’m excited to work with this group of players who are all great people. I think we have some good stuff coming up for us if we keep working hard. I’m honored to lead the group to the success we know we can achieve.”

“I’m just so excited for this opportunity,” Scannell said. “I’m so grateful to lead this group. We’re all going to work hard to get to the gold.”

DUGGAN ANNOUNCES CAPTAINS; GIVES TEAM ADVICE

As a special surprise to the team, three-time Olympian Meghan Duggan (Danvers, Mass.) joined the team meeting to help the coaching staff announce the leadership selections and offer some advice to the team prior to its first pre-tournament game tomorrow against Sweden. 

Check out the video to see some of her advice. 


January 2 | Time For Team Building

The U.S. continued its preparations for next week’s championship on Monday, braving the freezing temperatures in Sundsvall and snow flurries, to head to the rink for practice in the morning. Today’s focus was on special teams and puck movement, as the coaching staff continues to install its systems and philosophies in the team’s style of play. 

With just two days until Team USA’s Wednesday pre-tournament game against Sweden, the team continues to gel both on and off the ice. 

Following practice, strength and conditioning coach Bill DeLongis gather the group for a series of team-building activities and games. The session promoted and strengthened the team’s communication and teamwork, forcing them into unique situations where they needed to adapt strategy and pivot in difficult situations.

GET TO KNOW…NO. 9, ROSE DWYER
Throughout the IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship journey, we’ll regularly feature fun facts and tidbits about players to help you get to know Team USA. Today, it’s defender Rose Dwyer. 

NAME: Rose Dwyer
POSITION: Defense
HOMETOWN: Wynnewood, Pa.
MOST RECENT TEAM: Selects Academy (N.Y.)
COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Cornell University

ON HER EXCITEMENT FOR THE 2023 IIHF UNDER-18 WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: “I’m just really excited to play with all my teammates. They are all just high-level people and players. It’s great to get really great coaching, where we’re learning every day. We want to compete for a gold medal, which is everyone’s goal. It’s going to be a really fun journey to try to accomplish that goal together.”

ON REPRESENTING THE U.S. ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE: “To put on the jersey, it’s such an honor. All the hard work that I put in to make the team and to see everyone’s hard work pay off and skate side-by-side as we try to achieve this goal together.”

HER FAVORITE HOCKEY MEMORY: “When I was a mite my team wound up winning the Thanksgiving tournament we were playing in. It was really fun and such a core memory. We got a really nice trophy.”

THE COOLEST PLACE HOCKEY HAS TAKEN HER: “Probably Sweden, honestly. It’s been really cool to get to know a different culture and way the Swedish live. It’s a cool place”


January 1 | New Year, Same Team

Team USA rang in the New Year with its first full day in Sweden. The day started out with an early morning team walk to loosen up the legs and explore the surrounding city of Sundsvall. Though much of the town was closed since it was New Years Day, the team did venture through the town square, taking a team photo next to a statue of Gustav II Adolf, the founder of Sundsvall and the King of Sweden from 1611-1632. The statue itself is over 100 years old, as it was first dedicated in 1911.

A few hours later the team bussed to the rink for the second practice of the trip. It was a fast-paced, high-intensity practice, as the team worked on continuing to learn its systems and gelling as a cohesive unit. 

Even with seven returners from the 2022 squad, the 2023 team brings a new flare and excitement to the ice. 

"Every year is a new opportunity for us to write our own story," Katie Lachapelle (Lewiston, Maine), head coach of the 2023 U.S. Under-18 Women's National Team said. "We look to our seven returners to instill confidence and leadership within the team, but the group is taking on its own identity that will be exciting to watch once the championship kicks off."

FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE 2023 U.S. UNDER-18 WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM

  1. Of the 23 players named to the roster, seven are returning from the 2022 edition of the team. Annelies Bergmann (Detroit, Mich.), Cassie Hall (South Lyon, Mich.), Molly Jordan (Berlin, Conn.), Ava Lindsay (Minnetonka, Minn.), Finley McCarthy (Whitefish, Mont.), Maggie Scannell (Wynantskill, N.Y.) and Josie St. Martin (Stillwater, Minn.) all represented Team USA at the 2022 IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship in Madison, Wis. The U.S. skated to a silver medal at the championship.
  2. There are players from 11 different states on the 2023 U.S. Under-18 Women’s National team. Nine are from Minnesota, while California, Massachusetts, Michigan and New York all have two players on the team. Connecticut, Florida, Missouri, Montana, Pennsylvania and Vermont all have one representative. 
  3. Forward Bella Fanale (Webster, N.Y.) and defender Megan Healy (South Burlington, Vt.) both were born in the year 2007, making them the two youngest players on the team at 16. 

4. Two younger sisters of U.S. Under-18 Women's National Team alumni are on the 2023 squad. Forward Joy Dunne (O’Fallon, Mo.) is the younger sister of Olympian and current U.S. Women’s National Team member, Jincy Dunne (O’Fallon, Mo.), while Rose Dwyer (Wynnewood, Pa.) is the younger sister of 2022 U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team member, Grace Dwyer.
5. Three-time Olympian Brianna Decker (Dousman, Wis.) joins the staff as an assistant coach, reprising a role she held for both the gold-medal winning 2020 U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team and 2019 U18 team. As a player, Decker has represented the U.S. at three Olympics (2014, 2018, 2022) and eight IIHF Women’s World Championships (2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2021). Decker also won gold as a player at two Under-18 Women's World Championship (2008, 2009). 


December 31 | Touch Down In Sweden

Team USA touched down in beautiful Sweden on Saturday morning local time as the team starts its pre-camp in preparation for the 2023 IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship. Pre-camp is taking place in Sundsvall, Sweden until January 6, with the U.S. facing Sweden in a pre-tournament game on January 4 at NHC Arena. 

HITTING THE GROUND RUNNING

Only 202 days have passed since the 2022 IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship game took place in Madison, Wis., a much shorter timeframe than normal between two consecutive tournaments, so when Team USA completed its first practice in preparation for the 2023 U18 Women’s World Championship, the competitive juices were already flowing. 

“It felt great hitting the ice today. Everyone was so fired up to be out there,” Katie Lachapelle (Lewiston, Maine), head coach of the 2023 U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team said. “First and foremost, we’re looking to come together as a team and then making sure we’re hitting all the little details that we need to make sure we’re going to be hitting our stride next week.”

Seven players return for the U.S. from the 2022 squad that dropped a heart-breaking 3-2 decision to Canada in the gold medal game. Goaltender Annelies Bergmann (Detroit, Mich.), defender Molly Jordan (Berlin, Conn.) and forwards Cassie Hall (South Lyon, Mich.), Ava Lindsay (Minnetonka, Minn.), Finley McCarthy (Whitefish, Mont.), Maggie Scannell (Wynantskill, N.Y.) and Josie St. Martin (Stillwater, Minn.) all bring an added perspective and experience that will help elevate the 2023 team both on and off the ice. 

“It’s huge with the experience that they have,” Lachapelle said. “It is a little bit different for us playing this tournament on the road as opposed to it being in the United States last year. It’ll be a great new experience for us all, but they’re bringing everyone along. They know how important it is for this team to bond as a group right away and are on top of everything, making sure everyone is ready to go.”

The team has a week in Sundsvall, Sweden as part of its pre-camp, culminating in a pre-tournament game against the host country, before heading to Östersund for the championship. 

“This team plays with real speed and a bit more toughness than what we’ve seen in the past,” Lachapelle concluded. “As this tournament continues on, this team will continue to gel, play together and make plays.”


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