U.S. Downs Switzerland, 6-2

TAMPERE, Finland – Behind a three-goal second period, the U.S. Collegiate Women’s Select Team topped Switzerland, 6-2, in its final preliminary-round game at the 2024 Six Nations Tournament on Thursday.

“This game was a good gut check for this team,” said John Wroblewski (Neenah, Wis.), head coach of the 2024 U.S. Collegiate Women’s Select Team. “Today was the second of back-to-back games and Switzerland gave us a physical battle. This team fought from the opening whistle.”

Team USA jumped out to an early 1-0 lead, taking advantage of a crazy bounce just 6:10 into the game. After Abbey Murphy (Evergreen Park, Ill./University of Minnesota) pushed the puck behind the goal on a zone entry, Tessa Janecke (Warren, Ill./Penn State University) sent the puck on net, bouncing it off Swiss goaltender Andrea Brandli for a goal.

Switzerland evened the game up at 1-1 with 7:52 remaining in the opening period. Nicole Vallario forced a turnover in Team USA’s defensive zone, stealing the puck at the right faceoff dot before unleashing a rising shot that found its way into the back of the net.

The U.S. responded with three goals in the middle period opening up at 4-1 lead.

GAME PHOTOS

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With 11:02 remaining in the second, Sloane Matthews (Plymouth, Minn./Ohio State University) received a neutral-zone pass from Lacey Eden (Annapolis, Md./University of Wisconsin) before skating in on net, deking the defender and beating Brandli over her blocker in close.

Just 1:29 later, Ella Huber (Northfield, Ill./University of Minnesota) corralled a rebound at the top of the crease for the U.S.’ third goal of the evening.

Murphy picked up Team USA’s fourth goal, a power play score, on a one-timer from the left circle with 4:21 in the second.

Team USA opened the third period with two early goals from Cassie Hall (South Lyon, Mich./University of Wisconsin) and Casey O’Brien (Aquinnah, Mass.) to extend its lead to 6-1.

Amanda Thiele (Milford, Mich./Ohio State University) made 10 saves in net.

The U.S. continues tournament play on Saturday (Dec. 14). The opponent and puck drop time will be determined once competition concludes tomorrow. 

NOTES: Kiara Zanon (Fairport, N.Y./Ohio State University) was named Team USA player of the game … Team USA outshot Switzerland, 55-12 … The U.S. was 1-2 on the power play, while Switzerland was 1-3.

2024 Six Nations Tournament Team USA Roster

Source: usahockey.com