MILAN — The U.S. women’s hockey team understands that as the top contenders for the Olympics, tensions can escalate on the ice — and Team USA stands ready to defend itself.
Abbey Murphy was once again at the heart of the action, both drawing and committing penalties as Team USA triumphed with a 6-0 victory over host Italy, securing a spot in their seventh consecutive Olympic semifinal.
“A little spicy,” U.S. forward Taylor Heise remarked. “I don’t want to say too much about it, but at the end of the day, we needed to play a specific style of hockey, and we’re adaptable enough to do what it takes to succeed.”
This trend of play irritated both the U.S. players and coach John Wroblewski, who found himself exchanging words with the Italian coaching staff at one point. He later expressed frustration over the officials’ perceived bias against his team.
“You see it time and again,” Wroblewski said. “A team that may not be as deep or skilled is allowed to hold up and blatantly disregard the rules.”
The most intense moments on Friday came late in the second period, when Hannah Bilka collided with Italy’s goalie Gabriella Durante after the sixth goal was scored, resulting in a scramble near the net. Murphy rushed to the fray and appeared to throw punches at Italy’s Franziska Stocker.
Both Stocker and Murphy received offsetting minor penalties. Murphy, the 23-year-old star from Minnesota, sported a smile as she headed to the penalty box.
“When you represent your country, you hold yourself to a high standard,” Murphy stated. “So when I see cross-checks in front of the net, I’m not just going to stand by and let that happen. That’s not in my nature.
In these Olympics, Murphy has drawn nine penalties across six different infractions, according to ESPN Research, while the rest of the U.S. team has collectively drawn 10.
“She’s electrifying,” Heise noted. “I think she really gets under people’s skin. Of course, I want her on my side; she’s an incredible player and an amazing person. I’d say she’s the best human overall, but catch her on a bad day, and it’s a different story.
“… She played a crucial role in that Canada game, contributing three assists and drawing four penalties. In my view, that’s even better than a hat trick. She just has a knack for knowing how to irritate opponents.”
When Murphy departed for Milan, she led the NCAA in goals (36 in 26 games) and penalties (23).
“Our coach advised, ‘Find that fine line,'” said Murphy. “Avoid trouble. Don’t do anything foolish that could prevent you from playing in the next game or anything like that. But yeah, you know me.”
Friday’s quarterfinal, featuring enthusiastic Italian and American fans, turned chippy early on.
“At times, it wasn’t even really hockey,” forward Tessa Janecke commented. “It can be frustrating. But if that’s their strategy for winning, we have to adapt and stay smart.”
The Americans have been dominant in Milan, outscoring their opponents 26-1, with at least five goals in every match.
As the U.S. awaits its semifinal rival, the team boasts a 271:23 shutout streak, shared between goalies Aerin Frankel and Gwyneth Philips.
“People tend to play us hard, and that’s expected,” veteran defenseman Lee Stecklein noted. “I’m really proud of how our team has maintained composure, focusing on our own game. We’re fortunate to have strong leaders in our locker room. The way Hilary Knight brings everyone together, refocusing us on the right things, is invaluable.”
The U.S. outshot Italy 51-6, including 20-2 in the first period.
but, Italy concluded the Winter Games with two victories in five matches — a significant improvement compared to their 0-5 record in their sole previous Olympic appearance in 2006.
