US women's hockey team dominates Czechia in Olympic opener

Team USA wins 5-1 with two goals from Hayley Scamurra and one each from Alex Carpenter, Hilary Knight, and Joy Dunne

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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The U.S. women's hockey team opened the 2026 Winter Olympics with a decisive 5-1 victory over Czechia on Thursday. The Americans were led by two goals from Hayley Scamurra and one each from Alex Carpenter, captain Hilary Knight, and Joy Dunne. Goaltender Aerin Frankel made 13 saves in her Olympic debut, while Laila Edwards became the first Black female to represent the U.S. in hockey at the Olympics.

Why it matters

The U.S. women's hockey team is seeking its fourth Olympic gold medal and this dominant win over Czechia sets them up well for the rest of the tournament. The inclusion of Laila Edwards also marks an important milestone for diversity and representation in the sport.

The details

The U.S. outshot Czechia 31-9 through the first two periods and never trailed in the game. Barbora Jurickova scored Czechia's lone goal midway through the second period to cut the American lead to 3-1, but the U.S. pulled away from there. Klara Peslarova finished with 37 saves for Czechia.

  • The game was played on Thursday, February 6, 2026.
  • The U.S. faces Finland on Saturday, February 8, 2026.

The players

Hayley Scamurra

Scored two goals for the U.S. in the win.

Alex Carpenter

Scored one goal for the U.S. in the victory.

Hilary Knight

Captain of the U.S. women's hockey team and scored one goal.

Joy Dunne

Scored one goal for the U.S. in the 5-1 win over Czechia.

Aerin Frankel

Made her Olympic debut in goal for the U.S., stopping 13 shots.

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What they’re saying

“I just do my best to bring that energy in every shift that I have. It feels a little extra special to be able to help on the scoreboard and physically, too.”

— Hayley Scamurra (kgw.com)

What’s next

The U.S. women's hockey team will face Finland on Saturday, February 8, 2026 in their next Group A game.

The takeaway

The dominant performance by the U.S. women's hockey team in their Olympic opener against Czechia showcases their depth and talent as they pursue a fourth gold medal. The inclusion of Laila Edwards as the first Black female to represent the U.S. in hockey at the Olympics is also an important milestone for the sport.