Inspired U.S. women down Canada 2-0 to open world hockey championship
PLYMOUTH, Mich. — There was extra emotion in the U.S. women’s centre-ice hug following their 2-0 win over Canada to open the world hockey championship Friday.
The Americans not only shook off the drama that preceded their tournament, but feel they’re a stronger team after collectively demanding more financial support from USA Hockey and getting it.
The host country and defending champions didn’t report to training camp and had threatened to boycott the world championship on home ice if their federation didn’t give them more of what the men’s teams get.
The U.S. women lacked on-ice preparation with just two practices together and no pre-tournament games, but exercising their bargaining power was the ultimate team-building activity.