The USA got contributions from all over the lineup, from veterans and newcomers alike, to propel them to a near-perfect start against an upstart Czechia team. The Americans raced out to an early 3–0 lead thanks to goals from Seattle Torrent’s Alex Carpenter, Montréal Victoire’s Hayley Scamurra, and Ohio State University junior Joy Dunne.
Czechia tried to get back into the game after a breakaway goal from Barbora Jurickova, who had just served a penalty, cutting the lead to 3–1. However, her tally was the only Czechia shot to get past Boston Fleet netminder Aerin Frankel. The U.S. finished outshooting Czechia 42–14, adding a power play goal to seal the victory.
With the Canada vs. Finland game postponed due to a norovirus outbreak, the U.S. takes sole possession of the top spot in Group A. They will resume action on Saturday against Michelle Karvinen and Finland at 10:40 a.m. ET. Czechia will return to the ice a day earlier, on Friday, to face Alina Müller and Switzerland at 8:40 a.m. ET.