Key Takeaways
- The U.S. team enters the quarterfinal match with a perfect 3-0-0-0 record in the preliminary round, securing the top spot in Group B.
- The team has a 2-0 record in quarterfinal games, outscoring opponents 13-3.
- Forward Jane Daley has recorded three consecutive hat tricks, leading all skaters in scoring (9) and total points (13).
- Goaltender Morgan Stickney has set a new American career win record at the tournament, with seven career wins and five career shutouts.
- The U.S. team faces Hungary in the quarterfinals, a team they have only met once before at the Under-18 Women’s World Championship.
Introduction to the Quarterfinals
The Under-18 Women’s World Championship has reached the quarterfinal stage, and Team USA is set to face off against Hungary. This marks the third time the U.S. has skated in the quarterfinals since the tournament format changed in 2024. The team enters the contest with a perfect 3-0-0-0 record in the preliminary round, having secured the top spot in Group B. This impressive record has set the team up for a strong run in the quarterfinals, where they will look to continue their winning streak.
History Against Hungary
The U.S. team has only met Hungary once before at the Under-18 Women’s World Championship, with the two teams last facing off on March 24, 2014, in the preliminary round of the 2014 IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship. The U.S. won that game 7-0, and will be looking to repeat that performance in the quarterfinals. The lack of history between the two teams makes it difficult to predict the outcome of the game, but the U.S. team’s strong record in the preliminary round suggests they have a good chance of coming out on top.
Jane Daley’s Impressive Performance
Forward Jane Daley has been in impressive form, recording three consecutive hat tricks in the team’s last three games. Her performance in Tuesday’s win over Finland was particularly notable, as she contributed to a four-point night (3G, 1A) and led the team to victory. Daley now leads all skaters in scoring (9) and total points (13), and will be looking to continue her hot streak in the quarterfinals. Her impressive performance has been a key factor in the team’s success, and she will be a player to watch in the quarterfinals.
Morgan Stickney’s Record-Breaking Performance
Goaltender Morgan Stickney has also been in impressive form, setting a new American career win record at the tournament with seven career wins and five career shutouts. Her performance in Tuesday’s win over Finland was notable, as she recorded seven saves and helped the team to a shutout victory. Stickney is now one win away from tying the IIHF career win record at the tournament, and two away from breaking it. Her impressive performance has been a key factor in the team’s success, and she will be looking to continue her hot streak in the quarterfinals.
Quarterfinal Expectations
The quarterfinal match between the U.S. and Hungary is set to be a closely contested game, with both teams looking to advance to the next stage of the tournament. The U.S. team’s perfect record in the preliminary round and their impressive performance in the quarterfinals so far suggest they have a good chance of coming out on top. However, Hungary will be looking to cause an upset and advance to the next stage of the tournament. The game is set to be a thrilling contest, with both teams giving it their all in pursuit of victory. With the team’s strong record and impressive performances from players like Jane Daley and Morgan Stickney, the U.S. is well-placed to make a deep run in the tournament.