(Brampton) The United States scored five second-period goals to easily beat the Czech Republic 9-1 in the first of two semifinals at the World Women’s Hockey Championship on Saturday afternoon in Brampton, Ont.
The other semi-final will follow later this afternoon between Canada and Switzerland. The winners of this match will battle the Americans in the final on Sunday evening.
The United States led 1-0 after 20 minutes when Hilary Knight started backfiring in the second period with two goals scored within one minute 35 seconds early in the period.
Abbey Murphy, Abby Roque and Amanda Kessel scored the other goals for USA in the second period, which the Americans outshot 20-2.
Kessel’s goal was her second of the match, having opened the scoring halfway through the opening period.
Tessa Janecke, with a double, and Caroline Harvey made the ropes vibrate in the third period.
Harvey, who plays defense, led the American offense with a goal and three assists. Knight (2-1), Kessel (2-1), Cayla Barnes (0-3) and Taylor Heise (0-3) had three points each.
Adela Sapovalivova, midway through the second period, scored the only goal for the Czech Republic who will play for the bronze medal tomorrow afternoon.
The Americans fired 45 shots at Blanka Skodova and Katerina Zechovska. Skodova played for just over 28 minutes and allowed four goals on 19 shots. Zechovska faced 26 shots the rest of the game.
On the other end, Aerin Frankel only faced 15 shots.