U.S. women's hockey team opens Olympics with 5-1 win over Czechia

Hayley Scamurra scores twice as Americans dominate in tournament opener

Feb. 6, 2026 at 12:31am

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The U.S. women's national hockey team opened the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics with a decisive 5-1 victory over Czechia. Hayley Scamurra, a key player coach John Wroblewski insisted on bringing to the Games, scored twice in limited ice time to lead the Americans. Alex Carpenter, Hilary Knight, and Joy Dunne also scored for the U.S., who outshot Czechia 31-9 through two periods. Laila Edwards made history as the first Black female to represent the U.S. in Olympic hockey.

Why it matters

The U.S. women's hockey team is among the favorites to win gold at the Milan Cortina Olympics, and this dominant opening win over a rising Czechia squad sets them up well for the rest of the tournament. Scamurra's performance highlights the depth and talent on the American roster, while Edwards' milestone appearance is an important step for diversity and representation in the sport.

The details

The U.S. jumped out to a 3-1 lead in the second period with goals from Alex Carpenter, Hayley Scamurra, and Hilary Knight. Scamurra's two goals came despite logging just 6:45 of ice time, showcasing her impact as a "Jill-of-all-trades" forward. Czechia's lone goal came on a breakaway by Barbora Jurickova after she exited the penalty box. Aerin Frankel made 13 saves in her Olympic debut in net for the Americans.

  • The game was played on February 6, 2026 in Milan, Italy.

The players

John Wroblewski

Head coach of the U.S. women's national hockey team.

Hayley Scamurra

A 31-year-old forward from Buffalo, New York who scored two goals for the U.S. in the win. She is the daughter of former NHL defenseman Peter Scamurra.

Alex Carpenter

A forward for the U.S. women's national hockey team who scored a goal and had an assist in the game.

Hilary Knight

Captain of the U.S. women's national hockey team, who scored a goal in the win.

Laila Edwards

The first Black female player to represent the U.S. in Olympic hockey.

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What they’re saying

“I was adamant with it. We weren't going to Milan without her at the start of this quad. She carries so much spirit to your team. I'm not gonna speak for every other federation, but I just can't image there's anyone that works harder and wants it more than she does. It's inspiring, frankly.”

— John Wroblewski, Head coach, U.S. women's national hockey team (newstribune.com)

“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 (newstribune.com)

“Honestly, it's inspiring. You can put her anywhere. … I was hoping she'd get a third to be honest.”

— Hilary Knight, Captain, U.S. women's national hockey team (newstribune.com)

What’s next

The U.S. women's hockey team will next face Finland on Saturday, February 8th. There is uncertainty around how many Finnish players will be healthy enough to compete after a stomach virus hit the team earlier in the week.

The takeaway

The U.S. women's hockey team's dominant opening win over Czechia, led by the inspiring performance of Hayley Scamurra, shows they are a force to be reckoned with at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics. The team's depth and talent, combined with the historic participation of Laila Edwards, make them a compelling story to follow throughout the tournament.