MILAN, Italy – Switzerland’s women’s hockey team secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Finland in the quarterfinal round of the Olympic tournament on Saturday, , at the Milano Cortina Games. Goaltender Andrea Braendli was the story of the game, stopping all 40 shots she faced to propel her team into the next stage of the competition.
The win avenges an earlier loss to Finland in the preliminary round, where the Finns defeated Switzerland 3-1. However, Switzerland clearly elevated their game when it mattered most, delivering a defensively resolute performance and capitalizing on a single scoring opportunity.
The victory wasn’t without potential cost for Finland. Forward Hiirokoski will miss the remainder of the Olympic women’s hockey tournament due to an upper-body injury, a significant blow to their offensive capabilities.
Switzerland now advances to face Canada in the semifinal on , at 2:10 p.m. Canada earned their spot after a dominant 5-1 win over Germany. This matchup presents a considerable challenge for the Swiss, as Canada boasts a roster largely comprised of NHL players, with the exception of Zurich’s Lehtonen.
The game against Finland was a tightly contested affair, with both teams creating chances but ultimately failing to break the deadlock until Switzerland found the net. Braendli’s performance was particularly noteworthy, showcasing her exceptional reflexes and positioning throughout the game. The St. Cloud State junior forward Laura Zimmermann was seen embracing Braendli after the final whistle, a testament to the team’s collective effort and the importance of the victory.
While Switzerland celebrated their triumph, the result leaves Finland’s Olympic aspirations in jeopardy. The loss of Hiirokoski further complicates matters for the Finns, diminishing their offensive firepower and depth. Their tournament run is now over.
The quarterfinal schedule also saw Czechia defeat Sweden 4-0 and the United States overcome Italy 4-1 on Friday, . The USA will now face Italy in the next round. Germany’s tournament also concluded with their loss to Canada.
The Swiss team will need to maintain this level of intensity and focus if they hope to challenge Canada. The Canadians are a perennial powerhouse in women’s international hockey, and their NHL-laden roster presents a formidable obstacle. However, Switzerland has demonstrated the ability to rise to the occasion, and their quarterfinal victory over Finland proves they are capable of upsetting even the most favored opponents.
The outcome of the Switzerland-Canada semifinal will have significant implications for the remainder of the tournament. A Swiss victory would not only be a major upset but would also inject further excitement and unpredictability into the medal race. Canada, however, will be heavily favored to advance to the final, where they will likely face the United States or Czechia.
The Milano Cortina Games continue to deliver compelling storylines and thrilling competition in women’s ice hockey. Switzerland’s unexpected run has captivated fans and added a new dimension to the tournament, while the loss of key players like Hiirokoski underscores the physical demands and inherent risks of Olympic competition. As the tournament progresses, the stakes will only continue to rise, and the battle for gold promises to be a fierce and unforgettable contest.
The quarterfinals bracket is now complete, setting the stage for a dramatic finish to the women’s ice hockey tournament. With the United States, Canada, Czechia, and Switzerland all advancing, the semifinals are poised to be a showcase of skill, determination, and Olympic spirit.
