On a recent night, Taylor Heise and Abbey Murphy showcased their skills in Team USA women’s hockey Rivalry Series-opening victory against Canada, with a combined four goals. Despite their impressive performance, the duo chose to shine the spotlight on their teammate, Laila Edwards.
Referring to Edwards as the “Queen of Cleveland,” Heise mentioned that this nickname had been used for her throughout the week. Edwards, a 21-year-old forward-turned-defenseman from Cleveland Heights, received a warm welcome in her hometown. She was invited by captain Hilary Knight to participate in the ceremonial opening faceoff against Canada’s captain, Marie-Philip Poulin. Edwards also made a significant contribution to the team by providing the primary assist on the American’s first goal.
Expressing her excitement, Edwards described the moment when her shot was tipped in by Heise, equalizing the score at 1 during the first period. Despite wearing a knee brace due to an injury sustained in a college game three weeks prior, Edwards managed to make her presence felt on the ice. She is also recognized as the first Black female player to skate for Team USA.
Abbey Murphy capitalized on Heise’s setups to score three goals, while Heise netted one herself and assisted on all of Murphy’s goals. Aerin Frankel, the projected U.S. starter, made 26 saves, leading the Americans to their third consecutive victory against Canada. This streak began with a two-game triumph over Canada at the world championships in the Czech Republic, including a thrilling 4-3 overtime win in the championship game.
Canada’s lone goal was scored by Sarah Fillier, with Eve Gascon making 22 saves in her debut for the Canadian national team. The University of Minnesota-Duluth junior earned the starting position as coach Troy Ryan opted for a younger lineup, resting several veteran players, including goalie Ann-Renee Desbiens.
The two teams are set to face off again in Buffalo, New York, with the Rivalry Series spanning four games, concluding with two matches in Edmonton, Alberta, next month. While the U.S. team holds the title of defending world champions, the Canadians are the reigning Olympic champions, having secured their fifth gold at the 2022 Beijing Games.
Looking ahead to the upcoming games, Fillier emphasized Canada’s determination to bounce back from the defeat, highlighting the team’s resilience and motivation to send a message in Buffalo. Edwards, who is expected to debut at the Milan-Cortina Games in February, has already achieved significant milestones in her career, including a national championship win with the Badgers and a world championship gold medal.
Coach John Wroblewski commended Edwards for her poise amidst the attention she has garnered, praising her as a talented and composed player. While Edwards remains focused on her athletic pursuits, she also expressed her admiration for NBA player Larry Nance, who sported her USA hockey jersey at a recent Cavaliers game, a gesture that resonated with Edwards as a fellow Ohio native.