| Decker Sets American All-Time Assist Record |
| CALGARY, Alberta – Hilary Knight (Sun Valley, Idaho) broke the all-time IIHF Women’s World Championship goal record as the U.S. (3-0-0-0) skated to a 6-0 victory over Team ROC here in preliminary round play of the IIHF Women’s World Championship. With an assist on Knight’s goal, Brianna Decker (Dousman, Wis.) became the all-time U.S. assist leader in women’s world championship play. Knight’s goal was her 45th in the women’s worlds, eclipsing Hockey Hall of Famer Cammi Granato, while Decker’s assist was her 39th, passing Jenny Potter and Krissy Wendell. “It’s always incredible to watch players make history,” said Joel Johnson (White Bear Lake, Minn.), head coach of the 2021 U.S. Women’s National Team. “But to have it happen for two players on the same scoring chance and to see how exciting it was for the whole team was really special to be a part of and I think everyone recognizes that. Then we also got to celebrate three of our players getting their first goals with the national team, which is also a huge accomplishment and it is so nice to be able to celebrate so many milestones as a team.” The U.S. came out of the gate quickly as Jincy Dunne (O’Fallon, Mo.) rang a shot off the post :15 in. The fast-paced play was matched by each team with the first whistle coming 5:53 into the frame. Britta Curl (Bismarck, N.D.) tallied her first career goal with the U.S. Women’s National Team 11:50 into the period after she cleaned up an initial try from Grace Zumwinkle (Excelsior, Minn.). Zumwinkle looked to make it a two-goal game with a one-timer opportunity, but ROC goaltender Anna Prugova got in front of it. Knight’s historic goal came 3:17 into the middle period when she buried a shot from the slot. Lee Stecklein (Roseville, Minn.) extended the U.S. lead with a blast from the blue line with 2:35 left in the period. The U.S. added a trio of goals in the third, including power play markers from Kelly Pannek (Plymouth, Minn.) and Abbey Murphy (Evergreen Park, Ill.). Murphy’s goal was her first with the U.S. Women’s National Team. The sixth and final goal of the game came 7:53 into the frame off the tape of Jesse Compher (Northbrook, Ill.), also her first career goal with the USWNT. Alex Cavallini (Delafield, Wis.) stopped all 11 shots she faced in the victory for her second shutout of the tournament. The U.S. finishes preliminary-round play Thursday (Aug. 26) against Canada at 6 p.m. ET. That game, along with every U.S. tournament game, will be televised live in the United States on NHL Network. (USA Hockey Photo) |
