On a recent evening, Taylor Heise and Abbey Murphy showcased their skills in Team USA women’s hockey’s 4-1 victory over Canada in the Rivalry Series opener, with Laila Edwards also making a significant impact. Referred to as the “Queen of Cleveland” by her teammates, Edwards, a 21-year-old forward-turned-defenseman from Cleveland Heights, received a warm welcome during her homecoming game. Despite a recent knee injury, Edwards managed to contribute to the team’s success by assisting in the first goal scored by the Americans.
Heise and Murphy’s strong performances, along with solid goaltending from Aerin Frankel, led to Team USA’s third consecutive win against their Canadian rivals. The victory marked a continuation of their success following a previous win at the world championships in the Czech Republic. The teams will face off again in Buffalo before concluding the series with two more games in Edmonton.
Canada’s lone goal was scored by Sarah Fillier, with Eve Gascon making her national team debut in goal. The Canadians, who left several veterans at home for rest, are aiming to bounce back in the upcoming games. Despite the defeat, Fillier emphasized the team’s determination to learn from the experience and make a statement in the next match.
Looking ahead, Edwards is poised to make her Olympic debut at the upcoming Milan-Cortina Games. Her impressive track record includes a national championship win and a world championship MVP title. Coach John Wroblewski praised Edwards for her poise under pressure, highlighting her as a key player for the team.
The intense competition between the Americans and Canadians promises more thrilling matchups in the days to come, as both teams strive for success on the international stage.