In a thrilling game where Taylor Heise and Abbey Murphy scored a total of four goals, Team USA’s women’s hockey team emerged victorious with a 4-1 win over Canada in the Rivalry Series opener. Despite their stellar performance, Heise and Murphy shone the spotlight on their teammate, Laila Edwards.
Referring to Edwards as the “Queen of Cleveland,” Heise highlighted the team’s admiration for her ahead of the game. Edwards, a 21-year-old forward-turned-defenseman from Cleveland Heights, received a warm welcome in her hometown, earning loud cheers when her name was announced. She was chosen by captain Hilary Knight to participate in the ceremonial opening faceoff against Canada’s captain, Marie-Philip Poulin. Moreover, Edwards played a key role in setting up Team USA’s first goal with a primary assist.
Expressing her excitement, Edwards described the moment when her shot led to Heise’s goal, equalizing the score at 1 in the first period. Despite facing a recent knee injury sustained in a college game, Edwards persevered, donning a brace to compete.
Abbey Murphy, supported by Heise’s assists, scored three goals and set up another. Aerin Frankel, the projected starting goalie for the U.S., made 26 saves, securing the team’s third consecutive victory over Canada. This winning streak began with a triumph in the world championships held in the Czech Republic, including a thrilling 4-3 overtime win in the final.
Canada’s Lone Goal by Fillier
Canada’s solitary goal was scored by Sarah Fillier, with Eve Gascon making her debut in the national team and stopping 22 shots. Coach Troy Ryan opted for a youthful lineup, resting key players like Ann-Renee Desbiens. The upcoming matches between the two powerhouses are scheduled in Buffalo, New York, followed by two games in Edmonton, Alberta.
While the U.S. team holds the title of defending world champions, Canada secured their fifth Olympic gold at the 2022 Beijing Games. Fillier emphasized the team’s determination to learn from the defeat and make a statement in the next game in Buffalo.
After a quick exchange of goals between Fillier and Heise, Murphy’s exceptional performance in the second period, scoring two goals from Heise’s passes, tilted the game in favor of the Americans. Murphy completed a hat trick with a power-play goal early in the third period, further solidifying Team USA’s lead.
With her impressive track record, including a national championship and a world championship gold medal, Edwards is poised to make her Olympic debut at the upcoming Milan-Cortina Games in February. Coach John Wroblewski commended Edwards for her poise and performance amidst the attention.
Reflecting on the recognition she received, Edwards shared her awe upon seeing NBA player Larry Nance sporting her USA hockey jersey at a Cleveland Cavaliers game. Born in Ohio, Edwards found the gesture by Nance, whose father is a Cavs legend, incredibly cool and heartwarming.
