Milan: USA women’s ice hockey players at the Milan-Cortina Olympics prioritize competition over controversy, dismissing questions about President Donald Trump’s social media comments on athletes.
Post-Game Focus on Hockey, Not Politics
Following a dominant 5-0 victory over Canada at the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, reigning Olympic champions Team USA shut down political inquiries. Star player Caroline Harvey, who scored a goal and added three assists, declared, “No politics, just sport.”
Team communications lead Jeff Fischer reinforced the stance, telling reporters, “We’re talking about hockey you guys, you want to talk about hockey. They don’t want to talk about that [politics or Trump and athletes].”
Players Emphasize Team Unity and Gold Medal Push
Defender Cayla Barnes highlighted the team’s discipline: “Honestly, we have been off social media, haven’t really been focusing on things that have been outside of the locker room. We try to stay within the walls of the rink. We’re trying to compete, and we’re focusing on our team in the locker room and our games at hand. Our ultimate goal is a gold medal and this is what we’re focused on.”
Forward Alex Carpenter respected others’ views: “Definitely aware of what fellow athletes have said and, you know, I respect everyone’s right to their free speech and, you know, I think that says a lot about them as people and about Team USA as a whole group.” A third player affirmed support for athletes exercising free speech rights.
Ominous Win Sets Stage for Gold Medal Clash
Team USA controlled the grudge match from the opening faceoff, with Hannah Bilka netting two goals. Canada’s offense struggled without captain Marie-Philip Poulin, sidelined by a lower-body injury from their prior 5-1 win over the Czechs. Poulin ranks among women’s hockey’s all-time greats.
The result underscores Team USA’s edge, positioning both powerhouses for a likely gold medal showdown.
