Team USA Clinches Semifinal Berth at Euro Women’s Hockey Tour
Team USA Dominates Switzerland, Secures Semifinal Spot at Euro Women’s Hockey Tour
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Tampere, Finland – Teh united States women’s hockey team punched its ticket to the semifinals of the 2024 Euro women’s Hockey Tour with a commanding 6-2 victory over Switzerland on Thursday. The win, their second straight, propelled Team USA to the top of Group A in the six-team tournament.
Abbey Murphy continued her impressive tournament run, adding a goal and an assist to her tally, bringing her total to five points in just two games. Cassandra Hall, Sloane Matthews, Tessa Janecke, Casey O’Brien, and Ella Huber also found the back of the net for the Americans, while Amanda Thiele stood strong in goal to secure the win.
The game was tightly contested early on, with the score knotted at 1-1 after the first period. Though, Team USA seized control in the second, unleashing a three-goal barrage to take a commanding 4-1 lead heading into the final frame.
“This game was a good gut check for this team,” said head coach john Wroblewski. “It was the second of back-to-back games and Switzerland gave us a physical battle. This team fought from the opening whistle.”
Nicole Vallario and Lena Marie Lutz scored for Switzerland, who will now face a crucial matchup against host Finland on friday. Both teams currently sit at 0-1, with the winner advancing to Saturday’s semifinals and the loser relegated to the fifth-place game.
Euro Hockey tour Heats Up
The tournament in Finland marks the third of four events on the 2024-25 Women’s euro Hockey Tour. Czechia emerged victorious in the first two events, held in Switzerland and sweden respectively.
This week’s event is the first to feature Canada’s National Women’s Development Team (under-23) and the U.S. Collegiate Women’s Select Team, adding another layer of excitement to the competition.
the final event,a three-nations tournament,will be held in Czechia in February,featuring the host nation,Finland,and Switzerland. Sweden will be absent due to a scheduling conflict with Olympic qualification.
Canada Shuts Out Czechia
In the other game on Thursday,Canada blanked Czechia 3-0,outshooting their opponents 40-17. Hannah Murphy turned aside all 17 shots she faced to record the shutout.
Anne Cherkowski opened the scoring in the first period, while Sarah Paul and Maya Labad added insurance markers in the second.The win secured Canada’s spot in the semifinals alongside the United states.
“It felt great (to get the shutout),” said Murphy. “It was an awesome team win for us and to kill some big penalties in the third period was a really good momentum boost for our team. We keep getting better every period; it is really awesome playing behind such talented athletes. If we keep doing what we are doing, we will continue building throughout the tournament.”
Czechia will face Sweden on Friday, with the winner advancing to the semifinals and the loser playing in the consolation game.
US Women’s Hockey Team Cruises Past Switzerland, Secures Semifinal Berth at Euro Tour
Tampere, Finland – Team USA showcased its dominance on the ice, defeating Switzerland 6-2 on thursday and securing a spot in the semifinals of the 2024 Euro Women’s Hockey Tour. This marks their second consecutive victory, propelling them to the top of group A.
Abbey Murphy continued her stellar tournament performance, contributing a goal and an assist, bringing her total points to five in just two games. cassandra Hall, Sloane Matthews, Tessa Janecke, Casey O’Brien, and Ella Huber also scored for the Americans. amanda Thiele stood strong in goal, securing the win.
The first period saw a close contest, ending with a 1-1 tie. However, the Americans seized control in the second, unleashing a three-goal attack to take a commanding 4-1 lead heading into the final frame. Recognizing the Swiss team’s physical challenge, head coach John Wroblewski commended his team’s resilience.
Switzerland, now at 0-1, faces a crucial match against host Finland on Friday, with the winner advancing to Saturday’s semifinals and the loser relegated to the fifth-place game. Nicole Vallario and Lena Marie Lutz scored for the swiss team.
This Finnish tournament marks the third leg of the four-event 2024-25 Women’s Euro Hockey Tour. With Czechia winning the first two events, the competition is heating up. This week’s event also features Canada’s National Women’s Development Team (U-23) and the U.S. Collegiate Women’s Select Team, adding another layer of excitement. The final event, a three-nations tournament, will take place in Czechia in February, featuring the host nation, Finland, and Switzerland. Sweden will be absent due to Olympic qualification commitments.
On Thursday, Canada secured its semifinal spot with a decisive 3-0 victory over Czechia, outshooting their opponents 40-17. Hannah Murphy recorded the shutout,denying all 17 shots faced. Anne Cherkowski scored in the first period, while Sarah Paul and Maya Labad added goals in the second.
Czechia will face Sweden on Friday, with the winner advancing to the semifinals and the loser playing in the consolation game.