The 2023 IIHF Women's World Championship is taking place April 5-16 in Brampton, Ont. Stay tuned to this page throughout the tournament for an inside look at Team USA's journey.
April 16 | GOLDEN IN BRAMPTON!!! Team USA 6, Canada 3
BRAMPTON, Ontario – The U.S. Women’s National Team defeated Canada 6-3 to capture the gold medal in the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship Sunday night at the CAA Centre, claiming its 10th world championship gold medal and USA Hockey’s first since 2019.
Hilary Knight (Sun Valley, Idaho) became the first player in Women’s Worlds history to reach 100 career points after finishing the game with a hat trick and 101 points. Her 5-on-3 power-play goal with 3:10 to go in the third period served as the game-winner to make it 4-3, and the Team USA captain added her second just 27 seconds later during a 5-on-4 opportunity when she tipped home a shot from Caroline Harvey (Salem, N.H.).
To read the full recap, click HERE.
April 15 | Team USA 9, Czechia 1
BRAMPTON, Ontario – The U.S. Women’s National Team advanced to the gold-medal game of the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship with a 9-1 win over Czechia on Saturday afternoon at the CAA Centre. The U.S. will face the winner of Saturday’s semifinal game between Canada and Switzerland (4 p.m. ET), with puck drop for Sunday’s gold-medal game set for 7 p.m. ET live on NHL Network. Team USA has reached the gold medal game at every Women’s World Championship.
To read the full recap, click HERE.
April 14 | A Special Visit
Friday marked a momentous day for Team USA, with back-to-back game days awaiting the team on Saturday and Sunday, Friday was the team’s last practice at this year’s WWC. The practice was up-tempo and full of energy as the team was locked in as they prepared for Czechia.
A special guest also made an appearance at practice, three-time Olympian and former U.S. Women’s National Team captain, Meghan Duggan. Duggan, who lives in the Greater Toronto Area, stopped by with her children to watch practice and then spoke to the team in the locker room after. Her message: enjoy the journey and lean in, cause it’s all still in front of you these next two days.
CELEBRATING TEAM USA BIRTHDAYS
The last two days, the team has celebrated birthdays on the team. Alex Carpenter turned 29 yesterday and Abbey Murphy turned 21 today. Earlier in the trip, Abbey Levy also celebrated a birthday.
GET TO KNOW…#31 AERIN FRANKEL
NAME: Aerin Frankel
POSITION: Goaltender
HOMETOWN: Chappaqua, N.Y.
COLLEGE: Northeastern University
HER FIRST HOCKEY MEMORY: “My first memory of learning to skate was something my local rink use to call ‘hockey two.’ You put on as much equipment as you owned and then you’d go on the ice and try to play.”
HER FIRST MEMORY OF PLAYING GOALIE: “My first memory of playing goalie was in a Metro League game, which was a local rec league by me. I really liked the gear and liked the idea of never having to get off the ice. I loved being in my own little world in the crease.”
HER FAVORITE RINK TO PLAY IN: “Matthews Arena is my favorite rink. That’s the home rink for Northeastern. It’s in the heart of Boston, and I have so many amazing memories playing there.”
WHAT IT MEANS TO REPRESENT TEAM USA: “It’s an honor to represent Team USA at any level. To be here with this group is something I am very grateful for. It’s such a special team to be a part of.”
April 13 | Team USA 3, Germany
BRAMPTON, Ontario – Amanda Kessel (Madison, Wis.) and Hannah Bilka (Coppell, Texas) each scored power-play goals and Abbey Murphy (Evergreen Park, Ill.) notched a short-handed tally, as the U.S. Women’s National Team defeated Germany 3-0 in the quarterfinals of the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship at CAA Centre Thursday afternoon.
To read the full recap, click HERE.
April 12 | Preparing For Germany
With a quarterfinal date with Germany set for Thursday at 1:30 p.m. ET, Team USA was back on the ice on Wednesday practicing and preparing for its next opponent. The skate was intense and fast-paced, with players locked in for the quarterfinal bout.
Thursday’s game marks the first time the U.S. has faced Germany in Women’s Worlds play since 2017. The U.S. has an all-time 6-0 record against the Germans.
GET TO KNOW... #22, TESSA JANECKE
Throughout the IIHF Women’s World Championship journey, we’ll regularly feature fast tidbits about Team USA. Today, it’s forward Tessa Janecke.
NAME: Tessa Janecke
POSITION: Forward
HOMETOWN: Orangeville, Ill.
COLLEGE: Penn State University
HER FIRST HOCKEY MEMORY: “My brother and I always use to play hockey together, so when I was seven, we were playing and I was on a breakaway. My older brother just came out of nowhere and took the puck away from me and went the other way and scored. Laughs.”
HER FAVORITE HOCKEY MEMORY: “My senior year of high school, while I was at NAHA, we won JWHL championship. That was a really awesome time.”
HER FAVORITE RINK TO PLAY IN: “I love playing at the Pegula Ice Arena at Penn State, but I also really love playing at the 1980 Olympic rink up in Lake Placid. There’s a lot of history there.”
WHAT IT MEANS TO REPRESENT TEAM USA: “It’s always been a dream of mine to do this, so to be here and be able to do that, it’s really special to me.”
TEAM USA CALLS OUT TEAMMATES FOR FUN
Prior to the start of the tournament, Team USA had a little fun with BarDown, participating in a video calling out teammates for fun. Watch the full video below for some laughs and good-natured ribbing.
April 11 | Exploring Toronto
After wrapping preliminary-round play with a 3-0-1-0 (W-OTW-OTL-L) record, Team USA took a well-deserved day off. Players had the option to enjoy a relaxing day at the hotel or take a bus downtown to enjoy all Toronto has to offer. With a good chunk of the team opting to enjoy Toronto, the Hockey Hall of Fame opened its doors to Team USA giving players, staff and families time to explore and view hockey history.
Players got their pictures with the Stanley Cup, while also seeing the newly opened ‘Women’s Hockey – Celebrating Excellence’ exhibit, which showcases all things women’s hockey. Players also had the opportunity to participate in the sharp shooter and goalie interactive exhibits as well, fair to say they aced those tests.
Gabbie Hughes' mother shows her support for her daughter with Team USA-themed nails
FRIENDS AND FAMILY JOIN THE TEAM IN BRAMPTON
At every world championship, USA Hockey brings a guest of each player and staff to enjoy the Women’s World Championship, providing transportation, lodging and tickets. Over the last few days, spouses, parents, siblings, grandparents and friends have made their way to Brampton to support Team USA.
As a way to welcome guests to Brampton, the group gathered for a day of fun in downtown Toronto. Families explored the Hockey Hall of Fame, the Toronto Aquarium and went shopping, all before enjoying a dinner together full of laughter, fun and good food.
TEAM USA’S QUARTERFINAL MATCH UP SET
The U.S. will face Germany in the quarterfinals of the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship. Puck drop is slated for 1:30 p.m. ET on Thursday and can be viewed on NHL Network. Thursday’s meeting will be the seventh all-time meeting between the two countries at Women’s Worlds. Team USA has a perfect 6-0 record against Germany.
April 10 | Team USA 3, Canada 4 (SO)
BRAMPTON, Ontario – The U.S. Women’s National Team forced overtime with 3.4 on the clock in the third period before falling 4-3 to Canada in a shootout to close out the preliminary round of the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship on Monday night at the CAA Centre.
To read the full recap, click HERE.
April 9 | Team USA 6, Czechia 2
BRAMPTON, Ontario – The U.S. Women’s National Team tallied five unanswered goals to defeat Czechia, 6-2, in its third preliminary round game of the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship Sunday at the CAA Centre.
To read the full recap, click HERE.
April 8 | A Quiet Day Off
On the eve of the start of a back-to-back stretch for the U.S., the team had a relaxing day off, with only goalies and a few players electing to hit the ice. The rest of the team spent their days in all different ways, with a few heading into downtown Toronto to sightsee and others hanging low at the team hotel before catching the NCAA Division I Men’s National Championship game that evening.
GET TO KNOW...#4 CAROLINE 'KK' HARVEY
Throughout the IIHF Women’s World Championship journey, we’ll regularly feature fast tidbits about Team USA. Today, it’s defender Caroline ‘KK’ Harvey.
NAME: Caroline ‘KK’ Harvey
POSITION: Defender
HOMETOWN: Salem, N.H.
COLLEGE: University of Wisconsin
HER FIRST HOCKEY MEMORY: “I remember watching my brother play and wanting to play like him. I remember my dad tying my skates for the first time I went out on the ice a few weeks after watching my brother. My brother was playing and I wanted to play because of him.”
HER FAVORITE HOCKEY MEMORY: “It’s a tie. Making the 2022 Olympic Team was really special and cool, but winning a National Championship at Wisconsin was amazing as well. They’re both pretty even.”
HER FAVORITE RINK TO PLAY IN: “LaBahn Arena at Wisconsin. I love LaBahn. The atmosphere and the crowd there, it’s insane.”
ON THE EXCITEMENT OF PLAYING AT THE 2023 WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: “Our group in that locker room. I think we have a strong group going into this. I’m really confident in our group. We’re aiming for the gold.”
April 7 | Team USA 9, Switzerland 1
BRAMPTON, Ontario – Abbey Murphy (Evergreen Park, Ill.) scored the fastest goal in IIHF Women’s World Championship history seven seconds into the game as the U.S. Women’s National Team powered to a 9-1 victory over Switzerland in its second game of the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship Friday at the CAA Centre.
To read the full recap, click HERE.
April 6 | Just Another Day At The Rink
After opening the tournament with a 7-1 win over Japan, Team USA was back at the rink for practice, preparing for tomorrow's game against Switzerland. See the U.S.' day in photos below.
Team USA's Goal Song
If you were listening closely following each of Team USA's seven goals on Wednesday, you would have heard a special goal song playing throughout the CAA Centre...'I'm a Believer' by Smash Mouth.
After much deliberation, and a few rounds of voting, this was the song the team selected. A throwback for sure...and a song we hope to hear MANY times over the next week and a half.
April 5 | Team USA 7, Japan 1
BRAMPTON, Ontario – The U.S. Women’s National Team earned a 7-1 victory in its opening game of the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship at the CAA Centre on Wednesday. Alex Carpenter (North Reading, Mass.) finished with two goals and one assist, while Hilary Knight (Sun Valley, Idaho) notched three assists.
To read the full recap, click HERE.
April 4 | Knight Named Captain; Stecklein, Keller, Carpenter Named Alternate Captains
BRAMPTON, Ont. – Forward Hilary Knight (Sun Valley, Idaho) has been named captain of the 2023 U.S. Women’s National Team, USA Hockey announced on Tuesday. In addition, Lee Stecklein (Roseville, Minn.), Megan Keller (Farmington Hills, Mich.) and Alex Carpenter (North Reading, Mass.) have been selected as alternate captains.
“It’s a huge honor,” Knight said of being voted captain by her teammates. “This is a special locker room, with special players and it’s humbling to know they selected me to be their captain.”
The announcement came following a team vote. It marks the first time Keller will be on the leadership group of the U.S. Women’s National Team. Both Stecklein and Carpenter have previously been alternate captains for Team USA.
The U.S. opens its Women's Worlds campaign, tomorrow (April 5), with a preliminary-round meeting against Japan. Puck drop is set for 3 p.m. ET on NHL Network.
Introducing Team USA's leadership group for #WomensWorlds!
— USA Hockey (@usahockey) April 4, 2023
Insider https://t.co/tyTspdfs3O pic.twitter.com/AzK3oy55Cq
HOW TO WATCH THE 2023 IIHF WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Need your U.S. Women’s National Team fix? Catch every Team USA game LIVE on NHL Network. For Team USA’s full schedule, click HERE.
NHL Network will also broadcast every Canadian preliminary-round game, minus its meeting with Japan on April 8. The network will also broadcast Team USA and Canada’s quarterfinal games, along with both semifinals and medal games, regardless of participants.
GET TO KNOW… #21, HILARY KNIGHT
Throughout the IIHF Women’s World Championship journey, we’ll regularly feature fast tidbits about Team USA. Today, it’s forward and newly named captain, Hilary Knight.
NAME: Hilary Knight
POSITION: Forward
HOMETOWN: Sun Valley, Idaho
COLLEGE: University of Wisconsin
MOST RECENT TEAM: Team Sonnet (PWHPA)
HER FIRST HOCKEY MEMORY: “When I was first learning to skate, we’d earn these little buttons on our skate laces when we’d make a full ice completion on the ice and come back. When I got my first button, that was a big deal for me.”
HER FAVORITE HOCKEY MEMORY: “Probably when we won gold in 2018. The perseverance of that group and they type of people in that room, it was awesome to have the success and legacy of winning together. It was also awesome to do it 20 years later and share it with our heroes from the 1998 Olympic team as well.”
HER FAVORITE RINK TO PLAY IN: “My favorite rink is Climate Pledge Arena is Seattle. The fans are phenomenally crazy in the best way. It’s a really cool building and it’s super loud. It’s a lot of fun to play hockey on a great stage like that.”
ON THE EXCITEMENT OF PLAYING AT THE 2023 WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: “It’s exciting any time you have the opportunity to throw on the sweater and represent your country on the world stage. We’ve come up short the last few years and we’re hungry. We’re excited to get out there and start buzzing, hopefully win this tournament.”
April 3 | Say Cheese :)
Monday was Team USA’s first full day in Brampton and while it was the team’s first day on the ice since naming the team, it was also photo day. Photo day, as the name implies, is a fun day dedicated to taking the official IIHF headshots and team photo, along with filming any ‘hype content’ needed for the official TV broadcast.
Players enjoyed the fun before hitting the ice for a full practice. The team was focused and practice was intense – a good way to start things off in Brampton.
Be sure to stay tuned for the official team photo and other fun photos and videos… we’ll even give a hint, Abby Roque and a mini mic.
FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE 2023 IIHF WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
- The 2023 Women’s World Championship is being held at the CAA Centre in Brampton, Ontario, a suburb in the greater Toronto area. It marks the first time since 2013, that the championship will take place in Ontario, and the ninth time overall in Canada.
- Ten teams will competed at this year’s championship. Group A includes the United States, Canada, Czechia, Japan and Switzerland, while Group B includes Finland, France, Germany, Hungary and Sweden.
- The U.S. opens competition on April 5 with a preliminary-round game against Japan. Puck drop is set for 3 p.m. ET and can be viewed live on NHL Network.
- The U.S. enters the competition looking for its first Women’s World Championship title since 2019, Team USA has won silver in both 2021 and 2022.
- The 2023 edition is the 22nd overall Women’s World Championship. The first Women’s World Championship was competed in 1990 and Team USA has skated in the gold medal game in every WWC, winning gold nine times.
April 2 | We've Got Ourselves A Team
After five days of intense competition during this year’s evaluation camp, the 2023 U.S. Women’s National Team was named on April 1. With no time to waste, the 25 players selected celebrated their accomplishments in Minnesota before boarding a flight from Minneapolis to Toronto on Sunday, heading to Brampton for the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship.
With pre-tournament activities kicking off both on and off the ice for Team USA on Monday, keep your eyes peeled to @USAHockey across all social media platforms to catch all the behind-the-scenes action as the U.S. begins its journey to gold.
FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE 2023 U.S. WOMEN'S NATIONAL TEAM
- The 2023 U.S. Women’s National Team features 25 players - 14 forwards, eight defenders and three goaltenders. This season, due to updated International Ice Hockey Federation regulations, teams are now allowed to bring 25 players to the World Championship, with 23 active and two alternates.
- Of the 25 players, 17 are returning from the 2022 U.S. Women’s National Team. Cayla Barnes, Hannah Bilka, Alex Carpenter, Lacey Eden, Aerin Frankel, Rory Guilday, Savannah Harmon,Caroline Harvey, Taylor Heise, Nicole Hensley, Hilary Knight, Megan Keller, Amanda Kessel, Kelly Pannek, Abby Roque, Hayley Scamurra and Lee Stecklein were members of last season’s squad that took home silver at the WWC in Herning, Denmark.
- Gabbie Hughes, Nicole LaMantia and Abbey Levy will be making their U.S. Women’s National Team debut in Brampton. Becca Gilmore, Tessa Janecke and Haley Winn will also be making her USWNT debut in international competition. She represented the U.S. for two games during the 2022-23 Rivalry Series.
- Eleven college programs are represented on this year’s roster. University of Wisconsin leads the way with six players, University of Minnesota has five and Boston College boasts three. Northeastern University, Ohio State University and Clarkson University all have two representatives, while Cornell University, Harvard University, Lindenwood University, University of Minnesota Duluth and Penn State University all have one.
- John Wroblewski will serve as the head coach of the 2023 U.S. Women’s National Team, a role he is reprising from 2022. Josh Sciba, Shari Dickerman and Brent Hill will serve as assistant coaches, while Alli Altmann will be the goaltending coach.