The 2025 IIHF Women's World Championship will be played April 9-20, in České Budějovice, Czechia. Scroll for an inside look at Team USA's journey, from the start of camp in Prague, Czechia, all the way through the team's final moments at this year's world championship!
Wednesday, April 16 | A Day Off
It was a day off for Team USA as they wrapped up preliminary round play late last night with a 5-0 victory over Switzerland. Players and staff chose their own adventure with many options available for all to choose from. Three buses departed mid-morning to different excursions around the area - one bus to Prague, one bus to downtown České Budějovice, and one bus to Český Krumlov. Many players joined up with their families to explore some of the great places around Czechia.
CELEBRATING HILARY KNIGHT
It was a record-breaking Knight on Tuesday as Hilary Knight recorded her 50th career Women’s World Championship assist, breaking the IIHF Women’s World Championship all-time assist record. The team celebrated her accomplishments in the locker room showering her with a hugs, cheers and a little water bottle bath. Relive the historic evening through photos and video below.
AROUND THE RINK
Puzzle number two has been completed. Team scout Haley Skarupa, Kelly Pannek and Kirsten Simms stayed up after yesterday’s game to put the finishing touches on the puzzle. Don’t worry, a third puzzle has been started…stay tuned to see how quickly that one gets finished ... Hilary Knight was not the only one to make moves in the record books last night, Kendall Coyne Schofield, who tallied two goals, recorded her 78th and 79th career Women's Worlds points, jumping Cammi Granato for second most points at a Women's Worlds in U.S. history ... Defender Anna Wilgren and goaltender Ava McNaughton both made their IIHF Women's World Championship debuts in last night's 5-0 victory ... As mentioned in an earlier insider, the hotel Team USA is staying at has four saunas, but players have also found that the hotel has a salt cave, which is a room that is surrounded in salt. With lounge chair set up inside, it provides a meditation space for many to relax ... One of the many exciting parts of playing in a foreign country is exploring the grocery stores looking for exciting new snacks. Kaela Colvard, Team USA's sports dietitian, has done an amazing job finding exciting, and nutritious, treats for the team to snack on. A hit this trip has been the chocolate and vanilla protein puddings, along with Czech biscuits. The team has even tried Kolaches, which is a sweet Czech pastry.
Tuesday, April 15 | Knight Breaks IIHF Women's Worlds Assist Record
GAME PHOTOS
ČESKÉ BUDĚJOVICE, Czechia – Hilary Knight (Sun Valley, Idaho/Boston Fleet) recorded three assists to break the IIHF Women’s World Championship all-time assist record (50), as the U.S. Women’s National Team topped Switzerland, 5-0, in the final preliminary-round game of the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship.
“It’s an honor to coach this team and it’s an honor to coach Hilary Knight,” said John Wroblewski (Nennah, Wis.), head coach of the 2025 U.S. Women’s National Team. “Moments like tonight remind us how much of an impact she’s had on this team and this game. The win is just the cherry on top.”
HIGHLIGHTS
Monday, April 14 | Welcoming Friends and Family to Czechia
WELCOME FRIENDS AND FAMILY
USA Hockey provides each player and staff with travel and accommodations for one guest. With many friends and family arriving in Czechia over the last week, USA Hockey hosted a party at a local restaurant and brewery, Solidni Sance.
The restaurant, which is owned by a HUGE hockey fan and retired player, also has a brewery attached to it, which friends and family had the opportunity to tour. The owner welcomed the group with open arms, and open taps, making everyone feel like they were right at home.
The brewery which has been in Hluboká nad Vltavou since the early 2000s brews Czech beer that is enjoyed throughout the region. Beer has been made in the town for over 700 years and has been brewed in the country since the 13th century. Czech beer is made exclusively from barley malt and rumor has it, beer may be cheaper than water here. The writer of this insider cannot confirm nor deny these rumors.
CELEBRATING CARPENTER AND MURPHY’S BIRTHDAY
It’s been a week of birthdays here in Czechia for Team USA! First, Alex Carpenter celebrated her 31st birthday on Sunday (April 13), while Abbey Murphy rang in her 23rd on Monday (April 14). The team decorated the meal room with party hats, balloons and Hawaiian leis. They also serenated the pair during each of their birthdays, with Carpenters coming in the locker room following Sunday’s win over Canada.
AROUND THE RINK
The weather in Czechia has been particularly nice since Team USA arrived in the country. Today was sunny, without a cloud in the sky, with temperatures reaching over 70 degrees. No need for a sweatshirt or jacket today … Today’s practice was optional with many players electing to take the day to relax, especially after such a physical bout last night. Seven players headed over to the rink with Lacey Eden, Laila Edwards, Ava McNaughton, Abbey Murphy, Gwyneth Philips, Kirsten Simms and Anna Wilgren getting a skate in … With Team USA’s 2-1 victory the U.S. clinched the top spot in Group A and the number one overall seed heading into the playoff round. Tomorrow's game against Switzerland is its final preliminary round game … Anna Wilgren and Ava McNaughton are anticipated to dress in tomorrow’s game against Switzerland. If either sees the ice, it will mark their U.S. Women’s National Team debut.
Sunday, April 13 | Keller, Stecklein Propel U.S. Past Canada
GAME PHOTOS
ČESKÉ BUDĚJOVICE, Czechia – The U.S. Women’s National Team defeated Canada, 2-1, in the third preliminary round game of the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship today at Budvar Arena.
“We played like a team today,” said John Wroblewski (Nennah, Wis.), head coach of the 2025 U.S. Women’s National Team. “It’s games like this that you have to grind out and from puck drop to final whistle we did just that.”
HIGHLIGHTS
Saturday, April 12 | The Calm Before the Storm
Following a 4-0 victory over host nation Czechia in its second preliminary round contest of the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship, the U.S. Women’s National Team had a much-needed day of rest Saturday. With only a goalie skate on the schedule for the day, players and staff took the opportunity to explore České Budějovice and the surrounding areas prior to tomorrow’s contest against Canada.
A BEAR MOAT AROUND ČESKÝ KRUMLOV CASTLE
Several members of the team took time to visit the famed Český Krumlov Castle, a 30-minute drive from team’s hotel in the South Bohemian Region of Czechia. The castle has many distinctive features, perhaps none more famous than its bear moat. Yes, that is correct. A moat, inhabited by bears.
The origins of the bear moat can be tracked to 1707, when the Rosenberg family, the castle’s owners, placed them there after years of bear-keeping within the castle itself. A reconstruction process for the moat was completed in 1999 and four bears currently inhabit it: Vok, Kateřina, Hubert and Marie Terezie.
The castle is located in Český Krumlov, a tourist hotbed home to roughly 13,000 people. It was designated a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) due to its well-preserved Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture.
PUZZLE COMPLETE + MORE ADVENTURES
As a follow-up to a previous edition of this Insider, the U.S. Women’s National Team has successfully completed its first puzzle of the trip and has diligently begun work on a new one. The new puzzle is appropriately American themed. Stay tuned for updates on the progress of that one … Members of the team visited other areas around the team hotel, such as Zoo Hluboká, which is a mere 2.2 kilometers from the team hotel and has been in business since 1939 … Some staff members, including the writer of this entry, went on a bike ride around the area on the vast network of bike trails in the region, and enjoyed the temperate 64 °F. Despite having tons of fun, photos will not be shared of that adventure…
Friday, April 11 | Philips Earns Shutout in 4-0 Win over Czechia
GAME PHOTOS
ČESKÉ BUDĚJOVICE, Czechia – Gwyneth Philips (Athens, Ohio) recorded her first-career shutout with Team USA to help propel the U.S. Women’s National Team to a 4-0 victory over Czechia at the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship in Budvar Arena.
“Tonight’s crowd was incredible. It’s always fun to play in these types of games,” said John Wroblewski (Nennah, Wis.), head coach of the 2025 U.S. Women’s National Team. “Gwyneth played a strong game in net for us, and we made it difficult all game long.”
HIGHLIGHTS
Thursday, April 10 | Rink, Rest and Relaxation
After a commanding win over Finland to open the tournament, Team USA was right back at it on Thursday, regrouping and shifting its focus to the next game against Czechia. The day started with team practice that took place on the practice rink at Budvar Arena. The practice rink is attached to the main arena, but is just a *little* further of a walk than the competition rink. Japan was playing Norway as the team practiced, so goal horns and crowds cheering could be heard during the team's hour on the ice. The crowds at Budvar Arena have been loud and engaged, so the team is ready for an exciting atmosphere come Friday.
After practice wrapped up, the team headed back to the hotel to continue preparing for the next game, while also taking a few hours to relax and take in the surrounding town.
EXPLORING A CASTLE
With Team USA staying in the small town of Hluboká nad Vltavou, many afternoons the team has the opportunity to explore the historic streets and today was no different. Many took the short walk to see the Hluboká Castle. The castle, which was originally built as a fortress in the 13th century is known to be one of the prettiest castles in Czechia. Towards the 17th century the castle transitioned into a residence, and after an extensive renovation in the 19th century, became a cornerstone of the town. The Castle sits atop a hill and has beautiful gardens to walk around and sweeping views of the entire region.
Wednesday, April 9 | Kicking Things Off With a 7-1 Victory
GAME PHOTOS
ČESKÉ BUDĚJOVICE, Czechia – The U.S. Women’s National Team topped Finland, 7-1, in the opening preliminary round game of the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship at Budvar Arena.
“It’s always nice to get the opening win under our belts,” said John Wroblewski (Nennah, Wis.), head coach of the 2025 U.S. Women’s National Team. “We got scoring from all areas of the ice today. We’ll use this game as a foundation as we move through the tournament.”
GAME HIGHLIGHTS
A GREAT DAY IN USA HOCKEY HISTORY
April 9th marked a historic day in USA Hockey history as 20 years prior, on April 9, 2005, the U.S. won its first ever IIHF Women’s World Championship, defeating Canada 1-0 in a shootout, to take the 2005 title. Natalie Darwitz, Krissy Wendell and Angela Ruggiero scored in the shootout, while Chanda Gunn denied three of four Canadian shooters for the win.
Tuesday, April 8 | Who Wants To Play A Game Tomorrow?!
The excitement was palpable today as it was the last practice before the tournament starts. Team USA hit the ice with excitement and anticipation, knowing that in less than 24 hours they'd be pulling on their jerseys and taking the ice against Finland.
Practice was full of energy and focused before heading back to the team hotel for dinner, video and treatments.
Alex Wulbecker-Smith, the Team USA mental performance coach, also led a guided meditation for players and staff to help find our inner peace before the official start of the tournament. The writer of this insider went to the meditation and to be honest, is feeling quite zen from it.
FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE U.S. WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM
1. The 2025 U.S. Women’s National Team features 25 players, 14 forwards, eight defenders and three goaltenders.
2. The 2025 U.S. Women's National Team returns 21 players from the 2024 edition of the team that took home silver last April, including Cayla Barnes, Alex Carpenter, Kendall Coyne Schofield, Britta Curl-Salemme, Joy Dunne, Lacey Eden, Laila Edwards, Aerin Frankel, Savannah Harmon,Caroline Harvey, Taylor Heise, Tessa Janecke, Megan Keller, Hilary Knight, Abbey Murphy, Kelly Pannek, Gwyneth Philips, Hayley Scamurra, Kirsten Simms, Haley Winn and Grace Zumwinkle.
3. Ava McNaughton and Anna Wilgren were named to the U.S. Women’s National Team for the first time and will be making their international debuts in Czechia. McNaughton most recently was a member of the U.S. Collegiate Women’s Select Team during the Six Nations Tournament in Finland, while Anna Wilgren represented the U.S. at the 2024-25 Rivalry Series.
4. All six PWHL teams are represented on Team USA's roster. There are six players on the Minnesota Frost. Three players on the Boston Fleet and Toronto Sceptres, two on the Montreal Victorie, and one player on both the New York Sirens and Ottawa Charge.
5. All 25 athletes on the Team USA roster have competed or are currently competing as women's hockey student-athletes at a U.S. college or university. The University of Wisconsin leads the way with nine athletes, the most from one school to represent Team USA at any Women's Worlds. The University of Minnesota has five, while Northeastern University has four. Boston College, Clarkson University and Ohio State University each have two while Penn State University has one. In total, seven different schools have representation on the team.
HOW TO WATCH
All Team USA games will be broadcast live on NHL Network in the United States. Fans in Canada can watch on TSN, while international fans can watch on IIHF.tv. The full schedule can be found below.
2025 U.S. Schedule
| DATE | OPPONENT/ROUND | TIME (LOCAL/ET)/RESULT | LOCATION | BROADCAST/POG | GAME NOTES | LINE CHART |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wed., April 9 | Finland Preliminary Round |
W, 7-1 | Budvar Arena Ceske Budejovice, Czechia |
Hayley Scamurra | Game Notes | Line Chart |
| Fri., April 11 | Czechia Preliminary Round |
W, 4-0 | Budvar Arena Ceske Budejovice, Czechia |
Abbey Murphy | Game Notes | Line Chart |
| Sun., April 13 | Canada Preliminary Round |
W, 2-1 | Budvar Arena Ceske Budejovice, Czechia |
Megan Keller | Game Notes | Line Chart |
| Tues., April 15 | Switzerland Preliminary Round |
W, 5-0 | Budvar Arena Ceske Budejovice, Czechia |
Hilary Knight | Game Notes | Line Chart |
| Thurs., April 17 | Germany Quarterfinals |
1:30 p.m./7:30 a.m. | Budvar Arena Ceske Budejovice, Czechia |
NHL Network | Game Notes | |
| Sat., April 19 | TBD Semifinals |
1:30 p.m./7:30 a.m. | Budvar Arena Ceske Budejovice, Czechia |
NHL Network | ||
| TBD Semifinals |
5:00 p.m./11:00 a.m. | Budvar Arena Ceske Budejovice, Czechia |
NHL Network | |||
| Sun., April 20 | TBD Bronze Medal Game |
2:00 p.m./8:00 a.m. | Budvar Arena Ceske Budejovice, Czechia |
NHL Network | ||
| TBD Gold Medal Game |
6:00 p.m./12:00 p.m. | Budvar Arena Ceske Budejovice, Czechia |
NHL Network |
KNIGHT TO SERVE AS CAPTAIN, CARPENTER AND KELLER AS ALTERNATES
Forward Hilary Knight (Sun Valley, Idaho) will serve as captain of the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship team, while forward Alex Carpenter (North Reading, Mass.) and defender Megan Keller (Farmington, Mich.) will hold the alternate captain titles.
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Monday, April 7 | Smile, You're On Camera
ALL SMILES FOR MEDIA DAY
Even though there was not a practice on the schedule for today, the team made its first appearance at Budvar Arena for the best, and most fun, day of the tournament…media day! Players and staff took their official IIHF headshots, which will be used anywhere from the television broadcast to the IIHF website to USA Hockey’s platforms as well. Players then shuffled to a camera set arranged by TSN where they did posed video shots, before heading off to the game rink to take the team photo. In between players took photos on their digital cameras and filmed funny TikTok videos as well.
SHOWING SCHOOL PRIDE
A media day tradition within Team USA is to take photos by groups of players that all attended the same school. This year a few schools got in on the action - defending national champions University of Wisconsin, University of Minnesota, Clarkson University, Northeastern University and Ohio State University are just a few.
HONORING THE GAUDREAU BROTHERS
If you look closely at the back of Team USA’s helmets, you see a small decal honoring the legacy of American hockey players Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, who tragically passed away on Aug. 29. The men's, women's and sled national teams, along with the two teams part of USA Hockey's National Team Development Program will wear helmet decals for the season. The decal artwork includes stars floating towards the heavens with the Gaudreau name and the jersey numbers of Johnny (13) and Matthew (21).
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AROUND THE RINK
Alex Ovechkin’s record-breaking goal was the talk of the locker room today. With Lacey Eden and Hayley Scamurra both with ties to the DMV area, there was some local ties to the historic accomplishment … Hilary Knight gave a shoutout to Ovi congratulating him on the accomplishment one of the NHL’s social media videos … The hotel Team USA is staying at has a wellness wing, that includes a gym, spa, and most importantly four different types of saunas – a Finnish sauna, an aroma sauna, an infrared sauna and a steam room. It’s been a hit with players who use them in their off-ice recovery … A U.S. Women’s National Team tradition, the team has started a puzzle in the meal room as a way to pass time when not at the rink. The puzzle this year is a 1,000-piece one that when completed, makes a picture of puppies. See below for the progress.
Sunday, April 6 | On The Road To České Budějovice
Today was the final day of pre-camp for Team USA. After loading the bus with their luggage at the hotel in Prague, the team hit the ice for a 1.5 hour practice. The coaching staff used the time to work on zone entries, special teams and situational drills. After practice wrapped the team grabbed a quick lunch and hit the road, driving a little over two hours through the Czechia countryside to České Budějovice, where they will remain for the duration of the tournament.
FAVORITE GAS STATION SNACK?
Today USA Hockey’s digital content team asked, ‘what is your favorite gas station snack?’ as the question of the day. With the full video posted to USA Hockey’s social media channels, here’s what some players said:
Laila Edwards: Sour Punch Straws and Red Bull
Alex Carpenter: Swedish Fish
Gwyneth Philips: Beef jerky
Taylor Heise: Uncrustables and fresh fruit
Joy Dunne: Hot Cheeto Fries
ABOUT ČESKÉ BUDĚJOVICE
Ceske Budejovice is a city of around 97,000 located about 147 km south of Prague in the South Bohemia region of Czechia.
The town is best known as the birthplace of Budweiser Budvar, the beer commonly known as Budweiser in the United States.
The tournament will take place in Budvar Arena, a rink near the center of the city that seats just over 6,000 fans.
Team USA is staying in Hluboká nad Vltavou, a small village of about 5,600 people, just 10 minutes from České Budějovice. It’s best known for the Hluboká Castle, a castle that dates back to the 1300s.
AROUND THE RINK
Everyone passes the time differently on bus rides and today’s ride to České Budějovice was no different. Some players listened to music, others took a nap, a few read, while a number of players did homework. Yes, did homework. With many players still in college, they need to make sure they are keep up with their assignments as classes are still going on back on their campuses … Tomorrow is the IIHF photo/media day. Players will take their official IIHF headshot and go through a media carwash with TSN, the official tournament broadcaster, before taking the official team photo on the ice. Take a guess what color jerseys the U.S. will wear? White, navy or royal blue? … Before getting off the ice, Team USA’s digital content team got creative with the players, having them position their sticks right under the camera lense to look like they were using a selfie stick. The pictures turned out great! See if you can spot the photobomber though.
Saturday, April 5 | All Together Now
A FULL TEAM
Today’s practice marked the first time all 25 players were on the ice in Czechia. Due to the PWHL game schedule, players (and staff) from the Boston Fleet and Ottawa Charge arrived a few days after the initial group, landing in Prague yesterday morning. After a good night of sleep the group joined the team on the ice today for practice.
With a full team skating, practice had a lot of energy and punch, working on offensive drills, along with special teams.
TEAM DINNER
A U.S. Women’s National Team tradition on every trip, the team and staff broke bread at a local restaurant, enjoying good laughs and even better food for a team dinner. Team USA went to Pepř a Sůl, which translates to Pepper and Salt in English, a short five-minute bus ride from the hotel.
Players and staff were welcomed in by a friendly staff and a variety of appetizers and salads waiting on the table. Dinner came out shortly after with the options for dinner being roasted chicken, steak, sea bass or veggie curry. The best part of the meal was dessert, either lemon sorbet or vanilla crème brûlée, which the writer of this entry found to be one of the best they’ve ever had. Dinner finished up with coffee, before heading back to the hotel...with full bellies, and hearts.
AROUND THE RINK...
Team USA will practice tomorrow morning, its last practice in Prague before driving to Ceske Budejovice where the tournament will take place. The drive is scheduled to take two hours as the tournament city is south of Prague … Team USA athletic trainer, Amanda Kelley celebrated her birthday today with the team serenading her during the team dinner. Happy Birthday Amanda! … For those paying close attention to the ice after Team USA’s practice, they may have seen Kirsten Simms filming a cameo for a special video. Badgers fans, keep your eyes peeled as Simms may have been helping film the announcement video of the University of Wisconsin’s commencement speaker.
Friday, April 4 | Landed In Czechia
FIRST PRACTICE IN THE BOOKS
Team USA’s journey at the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship officially began on Friday, with the team hitting the ice for its first practice. The U.S. is holding its pre-camp in Prague, a short two-hour drive from the tournament city, Ceske Budejovice.
It was a quick skate for the team, taking up just 30 minutes of its slotted hour. Players were excited to get their legs back under them after a long travel day prior. A majority of the team and staff arrived in Prague on Wednesday, with a handful arriving yesterday. The few remaining are scheduled to arrive today, with a full team slated to take the ice tomorrow.
WHERE WE'RE PRACTICING...
Team USA’s on-ice home for pre-camp is called Zimní Stadion Eden, a 4,000-seat arena that originally opened in 1975. Located in Prague 10, the stadium is home to HC Slavia Praha, a Czech professional hockey team that plays in the Maxa Liga, the second-highest league in the country.
The rink will serve as the practice home of Team USA for the duration of its pre-camp, through Sunday. The rink’s staff has welcomed the team with open arms, providing ample locker room space, along with a retro-themed coaches room.
A VISIT FROM THE U.S. EMBASSY
Team USA welcomed a special visitor to practice today, the U.S. Embassy to the Czech Republic’s Chargé d´Affaires Christy Agor. Agor, along with members of the embassy staff watched practice for a few minutes before chatting with the team, officially welcoming them to Czechia. The Embassy staff was also excited to have Team USA in town and are looking forward to cheering the U.S. as the tournament begins next week.
CHECKING OUT PRAGUE
With many players and staff arriving in Czechia on Wednesday, the team used Thursday as an acclimation day, getting use to the time difference and shaking off a long travel day. Many also used this time to explore all that Prague has to offer. Players crossed the Charles Bridge, hiked up to the Prague Castle and took insta-worthy snaps of the city.
They even tried a traditional Eastern European snack, a Chimney Cakes, or Trdelník as it’s known in Czech, which is a cylindrical pastry cone that is filled with ice cream, chocolate and toppings. Yes, it’s as good as it sounds.
