BEIJING -- The Canadian and United States' women's hockey teams showed why they are medal favorites during the opening action of the 2022 Winter Olympics as Team Canada earned a 12-1 win over Switzerland and the U.S. posted a 5-2 triumph over Finland.
Former UW captain Blayre Turnbull recorded a four-point effort against the Swiss for Team Canada, scoring a pair of goals while dishing out two assists in the triumph. 2017 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award winner Ann-Renee Desbiens made 14 saves, including a highlight-reel stop in the second period while Switzerland was on the power play.
Sarah Nurse chipped in two assists as Canada outshot Switzerland 70-15.
2020 USCHO Player of the Year Abby Roque and three-time All-American Hilary Knight each earned assists in the United States' triumph on Thursday while incoming freshman Caroline Harvey made her Olympics debut on defense for the reigning gold medalists.
2012 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award winner Brianna Decker left the game during the first period due to a lower-body injury and did not return.
Canada returns to action on Friday in a 10:10 p.m. CT contest with Finland while the U.S. will face the Russian Olympic Committee on Saturday in a 7:10 a.m. CT tilt. Both games can be seen live on USA Network or through
Peacock.
