USA women throttle Switzerland 7-0 to open hockey worlds amid jersey dispute

Bilka and Edwards score twice each in American routCanada open with 5-1 win over Sweden as Eldridge shinesJersey dispute overshadows tournament’s Danish debutThe United States opened their defense of the women’s ice hockey world championship with a 7-0 victory over Switzerland on Friday in Esbjerg, Denmark.Hannah Bilka and Laila Edwards scored twice each, while Kirsten Simms, Hilary Knight and Casey O’Brien also found the net as the Americans pulled away after a competitive opening period. Caroline Harvey contributed three assists. Continue reading…

Hannah Bilka and Laila Edwards scored twice each as the US opened their world title defense with a 7-0 rout of Switzerland in Denmark Canada open with 5-1 win over Sweden as Eldridge shines The United States opened their defense of the women’s ice hockey world championship with a 7-0 victory over Switzerland on Friday in Esbjerg, Denmark. Hannah Bilka and Laila Edwards scored twice each, while Kirsten Simms, Hilary Knight and Casey O’Brien also found the net as the Americans pulled away after a competitive opening period.

Caroline Harvey contributed three assists. Bilka broke the deadlock nine minutes into the game, but Switzerland goaltender Andrea Brändli kept the favorites at bay for the remainder of the first period. The Americans took control in the second, with O’Brien doubling their lead before Edwards converted a power play just 15 seconds after a Swiss penalty. The US outshot Switzerland 15-3 in the second period before adding four more goals in the third, including Bilka’s second and a solo effort from Simms. Knight, the United States’