Key Takeaways
- Team USA won their final preliminary round game against Finland with a score of 14-0 in the 2026 IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship.
- Alaina Gnetz and Emily Pohl led the team with notable performances, scoring multiple goals and assists.
- The US team finished preliminary round play with a perfect 3-0-0-0 record and won Group B.
- The team will face the fourth seed in Group A in the quarterfinal round on Thursday, January 15.
Introduction to the Game
The 2026 IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship has been an exciting tournament so far, with Team USA making a strong impression. In their final preliminary round game, they faced off against Finland and came out on top with a resounding 14-0 win. The game was a showcase of the team’s skill and determination, with multiple players making significant contributions to the score. Alaina Gnetz, in particular, had a standout performance, scoring twice and adding two assists to her name.
First Period Highlights
The game got off to a quick start, with the US team scoring two goals in just 12 seconds. Emily Pohl scored her first goal of the tournament, thanks to a faceoff win by Talla Hansen in the offensive zone. Just seconds later, Annabelle Lovell forced a turnover at the blue line and carried the puck down the right lane before scoring on a shot from the outside. Gnetz got on the board for Team USA’s third goal, and the team went on to score three more goals in the period, finishing out the frame with a 6-0 lead. Sloane Hartmetz scored on the power play, followed by Bailey Rupp’s first goal of the tournament, and finally, Jane Daley rounded out the scoring in the opening period with another power play goal.
Second Period Highlights
The US team picked up right where they left off in the second period, with Stepnowski scoring early on. Pohl passed to Stepnowski, who showed patience carrying the puck from post to post before tucking it in past the outstretched Finnish goalie’s pads. Lovell recorded the eighth goal of the game midway through the period, and Hansen put away her first goal of the night on the power play, extending the lead to 9-0 heading into the second intermission. The team’s dominance on the ice was clear, with their skill and strategy allowing them to control the game and dictate the pace.
Third Period Highlights
The third period was more of the same for Team USA, with the team scoring five more goals to bring the final score to 14-0. Gnetz scored again, followed by goals from Kylie Amelkovich, Lily Bromley, and two more from Daley. The team’s offense was on fire, with multiple players contributing to the score and showing off their skills. The final score was a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication, and they will look to carry this momentum into their next game.
Post-Game Reflection and Looking Ahead
After the game, Head Coach Courtney Kennedy expressed her pride in the team’s performance, saying, "I thought we finished the preliminary round strong tonight. We’re going to reset and make sure we’re focused and ready for the next game." The team will face the fourth seed in Group A in the quarterfinal round on Thursday, January 15, and they will look to continue their winning streak. With their perfect 3-0-0-0 record in the preliminary round, they have proven themselves to be a formidable opponent, and they will be a team to watch in the remainder of the tournament.
Game Statistics and Notable Performances
The game was a decisive win for Team USA, with the team outshooting Finland 71-7. The US team was also successful on the power play, going 4-5, while Finland was 0-3. Alaina Gnetz was named the US player of the game, and her performance was a key factor in the team’s success. With their strong team effort and notable individual performances, the US team has set themselves up for success in the remainder of the tournament.