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Written by Mark Staffieri of Womens Hockey Life

In a thrilling rematch of the men’s opening game, the American team lined up against host Switzerland to compete for a medal. Korey Wilson initiated the scoring with an early tip-in goal from a Nick Carter point shot. The scoring for the Leominster boys continued with JD Dutney finding the back of the net, courtesy of a superb feed from Brandon Jones.

The Swiss team quickly responded, scoring just 14 seconds after Dutney’s goal. Midway through the second period, Steve Scian capitalized on a great setup from Dutney, the previous goal scorer, to extend the lead. However, the Swiss fought back with two goals, tying the game with about nine minutes remaining in the third period.

With less than three minutes left, “Big Game” Brandon Jones received a perfect pass from Korey Wilson and snapped a shot top corner, glove side, to put the Americans ahead 4-3. Robby Snyder’s solid goaltending ensured the lead held, and the Americans secured the bronze medal.

The USA Women’s team made history by clinching their first-ever gold medal at the ISBHF World Championships, defeating the top-seeded Czechia team 3-0 in a thrilling rematch. This victory marked a significant achievement for the American squad, who had previously bested Czechia in a shootout earlier in the tournament.

The game began with a strong defensive display from the USA, highlighted by goalie Brooke Wolejko’s outstanding performance. Wolejko made several crucial saves, including some spectacular glove stops, keeping the Czech offense at bay. Approximately 10 minutes into the game, Karen Levin emerged from the corner, executed a couple of smooth dekes, and delivered a perfect pass to Emma Seitz. Seitz, continuing her impressive goal-scoring form, found the back of the net to give the USA a 1-0 lead.

As the tightly contested game moved into the second period, Meg Fortier and Chelsea Monahan led a relentless forecheck. Fortier gained possession in the high slot, spun around, and fired a shot that sailed above the pad and below the glove, doubling the American lead to 2-0. Moments later, the USA capitalized on a power play. Becky Dobson unleashed a powerful slap shot, and Ali Vakos pounced on the rebound, slotting it in to extend the lead to 3-0.

Throughout the third period, the USA’s defense showcased their solid play, effectively blocking shots, cutting off passing lanes, and suffocating the Czech forwards to maintain the shutout. With this outstanding team effort, the American women triumphed over Czechia, securing their first gold medal in the history of the ISBHF World Championships. The victory was marked by stellar goaltending, effective forechecking, and relentless defensive play, culminating in a historic moment for the USA Women’s team.

In a highly anticipated semi-final rematch, the American men’s team faced off against the Czechia team that had previously defeated them 6-0 in the preliminary games. The game began with a setback for the Americans as Czechia capitalized on a penalty shot from a hooking call, securing an early goal.

However, the Americans swiftly responded with a top corner goal from Drew Albright, following an excellent shift involving the Leominster boys. This equalized the score, which remained tied as the teams headed into the second period.

The second period saw a dominant performance from the Czech team, who showcased exceptional ball movement to score an early goal. This initiated a rapid sequence of scoring, with Czechia netting three goals within a two-minute span, effectively putting the game out of reach for the Americans.

Despite their best efforts and relentless pushing, the Americans struggled to break through the strong Czech counters. Czechia continued to extend their lead, scoring three additional goals to conclude the game with a decisive 7-1 victory.

With this loss, the American team will now focus on competing in the bronze medal game tomorrow, aiming to end their tournament on a high note.

The Americans, coming out of the A2 pool with the 2 seed, faced a formidable opponent in the Slovakia ball hockey team for their quarterfinal matchup. The game began with a tightly contested first period, showcasing strong defensive efforts from both sides.

The breakthrough came early in the second period when Connor Callahan, the team’s young standout who had earned a spot on the first line, opened the scoring. Shortly after, Jordan Albright doubled the lead with a precision one-timer into the bottom corner, set up by an excellent pass from Jonny Ruiz.

Ruiz continued to shine, scoring a short-handed goal later in the second period. He then played a key role in Nicola Levesque’s goal, which came after a series of impressive plays and shots in the offensive zone.

In the third period, Ruiz scored his second goal with a spectacular spin move shot, finding the bottom of the net once again. Despite a valiant comeback effort by Slovakia, including pulling their goalie with over five minutes left, the Americans maintained their composure.

Jordan Albright and Nicola Levesque each scored empty-netters, securing a decisive 7-3 victory for the Americans and earning them a spot in the semifinals.

In a highly anticipated rematch against their arch-rival Canadians, the American women’s ball hockey team brought intense energy and determination at 8 AM. The match carried the theme of revenge after a hard-fought 2-0 loss earlier in the tournament.

Brooke Wolejko started strong in goal, making numerous crucial saves, especially during several Canadian power plays. The game remained tight until late in the second period when captain Colleen Murphy, who has been playing through a broken kneecap, scored a power play goal. Typically a top-end center, Murphy has transitioned to a defensive role due to her injury.

Early in the third period, the Canadians managed to tie the game. However, the American defense held firm, maintaining the 1-1 score through the end of regulation.

In overtime, the Canadians came out aggressively, creating multiple scoring opportunities. Nevertheless, Wolejko demonstrated why she is regarded as one of the top goalies in the world by stopping all their chances.

The turning point came when a well-executed breakout play led to Maddy Evangelous taking a shot that deflected off a defender’s stick onto the goalie’s shoulder pads. The ball then rolled over and was knocked in by Katherine “The Better” Murphy, securing the overtime win for the Americans.

With this victory, the American women’s ball hockey team has the opportunity to win their first-ever gold medal in USA ball hockey history, facing Czechia in the final tomorrow.