GAME DAY: Today is the first meeting between the U.S. and Russia at the 2017 IIHF Women’s World Championship, taking place at 3:30 p.m. ET at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Michigan. The game will be televised in the United States on NHL Network and streamed on NHL.com. Follow the updates on Twitter @USAHockey and join the conversation by using the hashtag #WWC2017. Prior to the 2017 IIHF WWC, the last meeting between the two teams at the women’s worlds was on April 3, 2016, as the U.S. defeated Russia, 9-0, in the semifinal round. 

AUTOGRAPH SIGNING: Members of the U.S. Women’s National Team will hold an autograph signing following its game today. Fans are advised the autograph signing will take place approximately 45 minutes following the conclusion of the game.

USA vs. RUSSIA: In the IIHF Women’s World Championship, Team USA has a 12-0-0-0-0 record (W-OTW-OTL-L-T) overall. The U.S. has eclipsed the five-goal mark in all 12 matchups versus Russia.

GAME ONE RECAP: Nicole Hensley stopped all 18 shots she faced, and Brianna Decker  and Gigi Marvin netted goals, as the U.S. Women’s National Team earned a 2-0 victory over rival Canada to open the 2017 International Ice Hockey Federation Women’s World Championship. For a full recap, click here. 

REPEAT PERFORMERS: Seventeen of the 23 players on the roster were on the team that helped the U.S. earn the gold medal at the 2016 IIHF Women’s World Championship.

VETERAN EXPERIENCE: Six players on the current roster have competed in more than 100 games with Team USA. They are Kacey Bellamy (119), Kendall Coyne (101), Meghan Duggan (116), Hilary Knight (136), Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson (116) and Monique Lamoureux-Morando (114).

COLLEGE AWARD SEASON: Team USA has five players who played college hockey this past season, with each player earning various recognitions, including Megan Keller (Cammi Granato Award as Hockey East MVP, CCM First-Team All American, Hockey East First-Team), Kelly Pannek (CCM First-Team All American, All-WCHA First Team), Lee Stecklein (CCM First-Team All American, All-WCHA First Team), Maddie Rooney (All-WCHA Third Team) and Kali Flanagan (Hockey East Honorable Mention)