The Letters Setting a Standard
MILAN – Alex Carpenter aims to ensure that her leadership is demonstrated through her actions. As fellow alternate captain Megan Keller noted on Saturday night, Carpenter has certainly fulfilled this role for the U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team thus far at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
“All action,” Keller stated. “You’ve seen it. She scored the opening goals in both games, and she is formidable out there.”
Carpenter initiated the scoring for the United States in under 5 minutes during each of the team’s first two matches at Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena. Initially, Carpenter found the net 4:05 into the team’s 5-1 win over Czechia on Thursday by redirecting a shot from Keller, and then on Saturday, she required only 4:41 to fire one into the top left corner, giving the U.S. a 1-0 advantage. The Americans subsequently triumphed over Finland 5-0.
“It’s crucial for this team to get off to a fast start,” Carpenter remarked. “We thrive on that, and our performance improves from there. Playing with a lead is certainly easier, and hopefully, we were able to help our Olympic rookies acclimate, and you could see that today’s game was even better, despite their strong performance yesterday.”
Carpenter is part of the leadership group alongside Keller and Hilary Knight (captain). All three scored against Finland on Saturday, contributing to the U.S. maintaining their position at the top of the
“I believe the three of us bring different qualities to the table,” Carpenter explained. “I’m not necessarily the most vocal person, but I can be when needed. My contributions are more on the ice, while also ensuring that everyone feels included, and Meg excels at that. Hills, of course, embodies pure determination and leadership in that regard.
“Together, the three of us create a strong group.”
Knight netted her 14th career Olympic goal 9:57 into the second period, tying Natalie Darwitz and Katie King for the most in U.S. history.
"Those are legendary players, and just being mentioned alongside them is incredibly special,” Knight stated.
The five-time Olympian noted that she was unaware of having equaled the two U.S. Hockey Hall of Famers.
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“I had no idea,” Knight added. “I just enjoy scoring, and the pure joy of finding the back of the net. It’s a moment reminiscent of childhood. Scoring brings pure excitement.”
Cayla Barnes plays alongside both Carpenter and Knight for the Seattle Torent.
“(Carpenter) is among the best players globally. She puts in hard work every single day. She is exceptionally talented. Huge opening goal today. Opening goal yesterday. Great leadership presence as well. A veteran, very wise, with extensive experience. We are fortunate to have her guiding us.
“(Knight) continues to achieve milestone after milestone, so that’s no surprise. She is one of the best individuals and players I have ever had the honor to play with, and I am eager to see her break that record.”
Meanwhile, Keller, the standout U.S. defender in her third Olympics, scored her first career Olympic goal and recorded two assists.
“It felt great; obviously, coming into the Games, nobody is focused on scoring. You want to assist the team as much as possible. I’m fortunate it went in. I aim to contribute in any way to help the team win. Ultimately, we want to bring home a gold medal.”
Keller’s four points (1G, 3A) are tied for the most points at the Olympics so far.
"She was outstanding,” John Wroblewski, head coach of the U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team, said. “The remarkable thing about Keller is how quietly she plays, and then that quiet can become very loud very quickly.
"It’s like watching, this may sound unusual, but (NHL legend) Chris Pronger in his prime, just big and rangy and just tough enough. It’s that impressive."
The U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team will next compete against Switzerland on Monday at 2:40 p.m. ET (USA Network | Peacock) at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena.
Carpenter recognizes that the intensity of the Olympics will only escalate as the tournament progresses, but providing her team with an early advantage can assist the younger players in adjusting to the nuances of Olympic hockey.
“Everyone raises their game a bit,” Carpenter stated. “It’s a bit more competitive, with a greater drive. Everyone understands it’s the most significant tournament we have in our sport.
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