ZUG, Switzerland – The U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team opens its 2024 IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship campaign against Slovakia on Sunday at Bossard Arena.

Puck drop is set for 12 p.m. local time (6 a.m. ET) and will be live on NHL Network.

TODAY'S MATCHUP

Today's game marks the opening preliminary-round game of the 2024 IIHF Under-18 Women's World Championship for Team USA. The U.S. has never lost an opening preliminary-round game in the history of this tournament, holding a 13-2-0-0 (W-OTW-OTL-L) record through the last 15 championships staged.

ALL-TIME VS. SLOVAKIA

Today marks the first all-time meeting between the U.S. and Slovakia at the IIHF Under-18 Women's World Championship.

THREE-TIMERS

Forwards Maggie Scannell (Wynantskill, N.Y.) and Josie St. Martin (Stillwater, Minn.) are back for their third IIHF Under-18 Women's World Championship. They are just the 16th and 17th player all-time in program history to represent the U.S. at the U18WWC three times.

ROSTER BREAKDOWN

The 2024 U.S. Under-18 Women's World Championship roster is comprised of 25 players, including seven returners from the bronze medal-winning team that competed at the 2023 IIHF Women's World Championship. Of the 25, 18 are newcomers representing the U.S. for the first time at a U18 WWC, with the roster comprising of three goaltenders, eight defenders and 14 forwards.

LEADERSHIP TRIO

Maggie Scannell (Wynantskill, N.Y.) is the captain of Team USA for the 2024 IIHF Under-18 Women's World Championship. Josie St. Martin (Stillwater, Minn.) and Bella Fanale (Webster, N.Y.) will serve as alternate captain.