USA women's hockey defeats Finland in Olympic debut

Finnish team delayed by norovirus outbreak

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The U.S. women's hockey team defeated Finland 5-0 in their Olympic debut, after Finland's game against Canada was postponed due to a norovirus outbreak that affected half the Finnish team. The Americans dominated the game, with Megan Keller, Alex Carpenter, Taylor Heise, Hilary Knight, and Abbey Murphy scoring goals.

Why it matters

This game highlighted the challenges teams have faced at the 2026 Olympics due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with the norovirus outbreak delaying Finland's debut. The U.S. team's decisive victory also showcased their depth and talent as they aim to win another gold medal.

The details

Only 10 Finnish players were available to play in the game, with 13 others either sick or in quarantine due to the norovirus outbreak. The Finnish team was able to field a full roster of 22 players for the game against the U.S. The Americans dominated from the start, outshooting Finland 38-11 and getting goals from several different players.

  • The Finnish team's game against Canada was postponed on Thursday due to the norovirus outbreak.
  • The Finnish team was able to field a full roster of 22 players for the game against the U.S. on Saturday afternoon.

The players

Megan Keller

A defender for the U.S. women's hockey team who finished the game with a goal and two assists.

Hilary Knight

A veteran forward for the U.S. women's hockey team who scored a goal in the game, tying the U.S. Olympic record for most goals scored.

Sanni Ahola

The Finnish goaltender who made 44 saves in the game despite her team's limited roster due to the norovirus outbreak.

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What they’re saying

“The USOPC is on top of that. So we're following their lead and direction on it. There's tons of doctors here under the USOPC and with us. So we're taking every precaution, but we feel confident.”

— Pat Kelleher, USA Hockey (The Athletic)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The U.S. women's hockey team will have a day off on Sunday before playing Switzerland on Monday.

The takeaway

The U.S. women's hockey team demonstrated their dominance and depth in their Olympic debut, despite the challenges faced by their Finnish opponents due to the norovirus outbreak. This game highlighted the ongoing impact of the pandemic on the 2026 Olympics, as teams work to navigate health protocols and outbreaks.