VANTAA, Finland – The U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team will open tournament play at the 2025 IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship against Japan at Tikkurilan Areena on Saturday (Jan. 4).
Puck drop is set for 10 a.m. EET (3 a.m. ET) and can be viewed live on NHL Network.
Game Notes
Line Chart
TODAY’S MATCH UP
Today’s game marks Team USA’s first preliminary-round game of the 2025 IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship. The U.S. has never lost an opening preliminary-round game in the history of this tournament, holding a 14-2-0-0 (W-OTW-OTL-L) record through the last 16 championships staged.
ALL-TIME VS. JAPAN
The U.S. is undefeated against Japan at the Under-18 Women’s World Championship, holding a 2-0-0-0 (W-OTW-OTL-L) advantage. Both previous meetings against Japan were in the preliminary round.
LAST TIME AGAINST JAPAN
The U.S. last faced Japan in this tournament 5,116 days ago on January 2, 2011, earning a 7-1 victory in the preliminary round. The U.S. ultimately went undefeated with a 5-0-0-0 record at the 2011 tournament, defeating Canada, 5-2, in the gold medal game. Current intern coach, Shelly Picard, along with team scout, Haley Skarupa, both represented the U.S. at the tournament that year.
DEFENDING WORLD CHAMPS
The U.S. enters the tournament as defending gold medalists, having topped Czechia 5-1 in the gold medal game of the 2024 IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship. It marked the ninth gold medal in the event in Team USA history and its first gold since 2020.
LEADERSHIP GROUP ANNOUNCED
Forward Bella Fanale was named captain of the 2025 U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team. Defender Megan Healy was tabbed alternate captain. Both are three-time U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team members having won gold in 2024 and bronze in 2023.
Team USA Roster 
2025 U18 Women's Worlds 
U18 Women's Worlds Insider
Source: usahockey.com