USA Beats Czechia 5–1 | 2026 Winter Olympics Women’s Hockey Recap

Full postgame recap and highlights from Team USA’s opening win at the Milano Cortina Olympics

What a day for women’s hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics! The United States earns a 5-1 win over Team Czechia.

🤔 Despite the score, our experts think the game was closer than the stats indicate.

If you missed our recent episode, we’ve got you covered with all the highlights, stand-out stories, and spicy takes from USA vs. Czechia, plus a quick round-up of the other opening games.

🏒 Game Recap: USA vs. Czechia

Team USA came out on top with a 5–1 win, but the matchup was much closer than the score suggests. Both Ava Wood and Preston Huntington agreed—Czechia showed up with composure, created dangerous chances, and refused to back down.

As Rachel Donner pointed out, Czechia’s head coach, Carla McLeod, knows Team USA inside out from her PWHL experience, and it showed in their shot-suppressing strategy.

A special shout-out to Coach McLeod, who’s battling breast cancer and inspiring her team from the bench. Her resilience and the overwhelming support from the hockey community were heartfelt moments for all of us.

🔑 Key Players & Moments

• Czechia’s goaltending got the spotlight. Preston unpacked Clara Peslarova’s journey from injury recovery—to Boston PWHL—and now the Olympics.

  
  

  While some goals were tough to swallow, Peslarova’s technical strength and big saves bode well for Czechia moving forward.

• For Team USA, depth was unmatched. Ava Wood and Preston raved about Tessa Janecke, who made every minute count (and scored two assists!).

  
  

  Of course, Hillary Knight once again proved she’s the GOAT, with a goal and ever-present leadership on the ice.

  
  

🎙 On the Broadcast—Room for Improvement

We had a lively chat about the TV coverage. The panel agreed: it’s time for more balanced, women-centered commentary, better pronunciation of international player names, and less talk about men’s hockey connections. “These are learning moments,” Preston says. Let’s keep pushing for broadcasts that elevate women’s hockey!

🌍 Around the Tournament

• Sweden looked strong in their 4–1 victory over Germany.

• Italy surprised France with the same score, boosted by a powerful home crowd. That Olympic magic is real!

• Canada’s game vs. Finland was postponed due to illness in the Finnish camp—a reminder we’re still not clear of off-ice challenges.

  
  

🔮 What’s Next?

Ava highlighted Saturday’s USA vs. Finland matchup as a must-watch, especially with the uncertainty around Finland’s roster due to illness. We’re excited for Italy vs. Sweden, too—can the host nation keep the momentum?

🗣 Where to Find Our Guests

• Preston Huntington

  : Czech Women’s Hockey Report on Instagram: @checkwhockey_report

• Ava Wood

  : @365_hockeygirl on Instagram, TikTok, and newsletter!

Stay tuned: we’ll be back with more recaps, insights, and tournament updates as Milan lights up for women’s hockey.

Don’t forget to follow Black Rosie Media for exclusive Olympic content—including behind-the-scenes from Erica and Jo in Italy.

Drop us your thoughts—what was your favorite moment from the opening games? Who’s your pick for a breakout star?

Until next time, keep cheering loud and proud! 🏒💙

Team At Even Strength