USA Hockey announced today that Zoe Hickel (Anchorage, Alaska) has replaced Stephanie Anderson (North St. Paul, Minn.) on the U.S. Women's National Team roster for the International Ice Hockey Federation Women's World Championship. Anderson had appendicitis and underwent successful surgery on Tuesday.
"This is unfortunate timing for Stephanie and the situation will prevent her from representing Team USA but Zoe has competed at this level and has been training and preparing for another opportunity to join the National Team," said Reagan Carey, general manager of the U.S. Women's National Team. "We look forward to her contribution as we aim to defend the title she was a part of last year."
Hickel joined the U.S. Women's National Team yesterday at its pre-tournament camp at XFINITY Arena in Everett, Washington. The team begins practicing today and will train through March 24. A complete on-ice schedule is available here.
The U.S. will also practice in Kamloops, British Columbia, before opening the IIHF Women's World Championship against rival Canada on March 28 at 10:30 p.m. ET at the Sandman Centre.
For a complete roster, click here.
NOTES: Reagan Carey (Colorado Springs, Colo.), USA Hockey's director of women's hockey, is the general manager of the 2016 U.S. Women's National Team. Ken Klee (Denver, Colo.) is the head coach of the 2016 U.S. Women's National Team at the International Ice Hockey Federation Women's World Championship. He is assisted by Brett Strot (Tampa, Fla.) and Chris Tamer (Dexter, Mich.) ... The U.S. is the defending champion and has won five of the last six world championships (2008, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015).