Heise and Murphy Dazzle in Rivalry Series Rout
The United States women's national ice hockey team delivered a commanding performance on Thursday night, securing a 4-1 victory over Canada in the opening game of the pre-Olympic Rivalry Series in Cleveland.
Taylor Heise was the standout player, orchestrating the win with a goal and three assists. Her efforts were perfectly complemented by Abbey Murphy, who scored a hat-trick, capitalising on Heise's precise passing to dismantle the Canadian defence.
Homecoming Hero and Defensive Strength
The match held special significance for Laila Edwards, who enjoyed a triumphant homecoming. The Cleveland Heights native, who is the first Black female player to represent Team USA, recorded an assist. Her shot from the right point was deflected in by Heise for the opening goal midway through the first period.
In goal, projected US starter Aerin Frankel was a formidable presence, turning away 26 shots to anchor the American victory. This win extends the USA's winning streak against their rivals to three games, a run that began with a two-game sweep at the world championships in the Czech Republic last April.
Looking Ahead in the Series
For Canada, Sarah Fillier managed to find the net, while Eve Gascon made her national team debut, stopping 22 shots. Coach Troy Ryan opted for a younger lineup, resting several veterans including goalie Ann-Renee Desbiens.
The two global hockey powers will continue their rivalry in Buffalo, New York, on Saturday. The four-game series will then conclude with two matches in Edmonton, Alberta, next month. While the Americans are the defending world champions, Canada enters as the defending Olympic champions, having won gold at the 2022 Beijing Games.
