MILAN – On Monday afternoon at the Milan Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, the reason behind Taylor Heise’s numerous 5 a.m. wake-up calls and late-night film sessions at 10 p.m. instead of socializing with friends over the past four years became evident.
Heise scored with a stunning backhand pass from Hannah Bilka with 10:51 left in the second period, extending the U.S. lead to 2-0 against Sweden. Her celebratory shout reflected the intensity she has consistently displayed since her early days with the Red Wing Amateur Hockey Association.
The 25-year-old has not forgotten the disappointment she experienced in 2022 when she was among the final cuts for the 2022 U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team. She recalls the hotel and the moment of that upsetting phone call vividly.
“I was cut in Blaine, (Minnesota), and I remember the hotel, I remember where I was, I remember who I called. I remember going home. I remember everything about it,” Heise reflected during the U.S. Women’s National Team training camp in September. “It shaped who I am. Everyone in my life would say it’s the best thing that ever happened to me, except for me at that moment, of course.”
Now, Heise is determined to do everything possible to ensure a gold medal returns to the U.S. after the Americans triumphed over Sweden 5-0 to secure a spot in Thursday’s gold-medal match.
Fans can view the gold-medal game live on USA Network or stream it on Peacock at 1:10 p.m. ET.
“We are very eager to showcase what we have on Thursday, and when we concentrate on our capabilities, we perform exceptionally well,” Heise stated. “While we have achieved great success in the past, it’s important to channel that confidence and motivation into moving forward. We will focus on ourselves and execute what we need to do on Thursday, aiming for a positive outcome.”
Heise boasts a plus-7 rating and has recorded two goals and two assists in six games. The line consisting of Heise, Hannah Bilka, and Abbey Murphy has been one of the most effective for the U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team during these Olympic Winter Games. Together, they have contributed to eight goals and 10 assists, while the Americans have outscored their opponents 31-1.
“She’s been an incredible player since we were 15 years old, and she continues to improve,” Bilka remarked. “It’s no surprise to see her excelling at the highest level because she has consistently found success since we were young.
“She maintains a positive attitude and is a joy to be around. She rarely has a bad day, which is refreshing, and she is very encouraging on the bench. A great communicator, she identifies plays we discuss and addresses them. It’s enjoyable to be on the ice with her, as well as off the ice.”
Heise’s ambitious nature led her to conclude her collegiate career at the University of Minnesota on a high note following her 2022 Olympic setback. She earned the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award after leading the nation in points (66) and finishing second in goals (29), and she was selected for the U.S. Women’s National Team that spring. The following year, she topped the NCAA in goals (29) and contributed to the U.S. winning a gold medal at the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship.
“Players like Taylor elevate the younger players,” said John Wroblewski, head coach of the U.S. Olympic Women’s National Team, after the victory over Sweden. “Her leadership is invaluable. When she joined us in Denmark (at the 2022 IIHF Women’s World Championship) after not making the Olympics, she made a statement with her performance on the ice, and that has continued within this program. Young players don’t arrive at this level without the influence of players like Taylor lifting them up.”
Heise was ultimately chosen first overall in the inaugural PWHL Draft 2023 by her home state Minnesota Frost.
The 25-year-old has played a key role in helping the Frost secure back-to-back Walter Cups, and she was named the PWHL Llana Kloss Playoff MVP in 2024. This season, Heise leads the PWHL in assists (13) and is tied for the most points (16).
“She’s been outstanding,” said Lee Stecklein, Heise’s teammate at Minnesota. “She is fulfilling every request right now, playing alongside various teammates and scoring impressive goals.”
One of the many lessons children can learn from Heise is her capacity for self-reflection.
“I also recall during that week in 2022, I didn’t feel like I was at my best,” Heise confessed. “If we’re going to evaluate based on one week, then yes, I probably shouldn’t have been (at the Olympics). But do I believe I could have? Yes. But does that mean I was meant to be there? Absolutely not.”
Heise, who also participated in basketball during her youth, resolved from that moment onward to take control of her hockey future.
“I returned and had an incredible year in college (2022), and honestly, I learned a lot about myself regarding what I lacked and what I needed,” Heise stated. “I promised myself that next time, I would ensure it wasn’t even a question. I wanted to be out there and make sure everyone recognized that I would be there regardless of the circumstances.”
Heise hopes that children watching the Olympics in the U.S. understand that no Olympian is a superhero or flawless. They are all individuals with their own challenges, and sometimes, achieving Olympic status requires taking a step back and experiencing failure along the way.
“If kids look at me and think she has it all and nothing ever went wrong for her, that’s simply not true,” Heise remarked. “I carry a bit of that edge and a determined attitude because I know what it feels like to be absent from this stage, and I want this experience to be different.
“I’ve done everything I can to reach this point. You must experience the feeling of losing to ensure you never want to feel it again.
2026 U.S. Olympic Women's Hockey Home 
Team USA Roster 
Team USA Insider
