Texan Hannah Bilka scores first Olympic goal as US routs Switzerland 5-0

Coppell native Bilka's goal came in the third period of the dominant victory.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Coppell, Texas native Hannah Bilka scored her first Olympic goal as the United States women's hockey team routed Switzerland 5-0 on Monday at the Milano Santaguilia Hockey Arena. Bilka, who played collegiate hockey at Boston College and Ohio State, parked in front of the net and shoveled in a one-time shot to give the U.S. a 3-0 lead early in the third period.

Why it matters

Bilka is one of four native Texans competing for the U.S. in the 2026 Winter Olympics, representing the growing talent pool of hockey players from the Lone Star State. The dominant win over Switzerland keeps the U.S. on track for a potential matchup with rival Canada, who may be without their star player Marie-Philip Poulin after she left their previous game with an injury.

The details

Bilka's goal came off a centering pass from teammate Taylor Heise, with Caroline Harvey recording the secondary assist. U.S. captain Hilary Knight had two assists, leaving her one point shy of the all-time U.S. Olympic record of 31 held by Jenny Potter. Haley Winn, Joy Dunne, Alex Carpenter and Caroline Harvey also scored for Team USA, while goaltender Gwyneth Philips made 20 saves in her Olympic debut.

  • Bilka scored her first Olympic goal early in the third period on Monday, February 9, 2026.
  • The U.S. women's hockey team will wrap up preliminary play against rival Canada on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

The players

Hannah Bilka

A native of Coppell, Texas who scored her first Olympic goal in the U.S. women's hockey team's 5-0 rout of Switzerland. Bilka played collegiate hockey at Boston College and Ohio State, winning a national championship with the Buckeyes in 2024, and is now in the PWHL playing for the Seattle Torrent.

Hilary Knight

The captain of the U.S. women's hockey team, who had two assists in the 5-0 win over Switzerland, leaving her one point shy of the all-time U.S. Olympic record of 31 held by Jenny Potter.

Marie-Philip Poulin

The star player for the Canadian women's hockey team, who left their 5-1 win over Czechia in the first period after taking a big hit. Team officials did not provide an update on her status for the upcoming game against the U.S.

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What they’re saying

“I had a lot of chances, so it feels really good to put that one in, finally. This team is unbelievable.”

— Hannah Bilka (Nexstar)

What’s next

The U.S. women's hockey team will face rival Canada on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, in their final preliminary round game. Canada may be without their star player Marie-Philip Poulin, who left their previous game with an injury.

The takeaway

Hannah Bilka's first Olympic goal for the U.S. women's hockey team highlights the growing talent pool of hockey players from Texas, with Bilka being one of four native Texans competing at the 2026 Winter Games. The dominant 5-0 win over Switzerland keeps the U.S. on track for a potential showdown with Canada, who may be without their top player Poulin due to injury.