Key Highlights
- Team USA women’s hockey advances to seventh straight Olympic semifinal with a 6-0 win over Italy.
- Abbey Murphy leads the U.S. team in penalties and draws, drawing nine penalties on six different infractions.
- U.S. coach John Wroblewski criticizes Italian teams for breaking rules, saying they are allowed to hold up.
- Murphy describes herself as a player who holds high standards and won’t let others get away with cross-checking.
The Firecracker of the Rink: Abbey Murphy in Action
Abbey Murphy, the 23-year-old Minnesota star, has become synonymous with chippiness on the ice. Her nine penalties drawn from six different infractions have made her a focal point for Team USA’s strategy against less-skilled opponents.
A Battle of Styles: U.S. vs Italy
Italy, playing in their third Winter Olympics, showed marked improvement with two wins in five games compared to their 0-5 record in 2006. However, their boisterous fans and physical tactics couldn’t outmatch the sheer skill and determination of Team USA.
Coaching Insights: Wroblewski’s Anger
Coach John Wroblewski, known for his fiery temper, got into a jawing match with Italian coaches. He later griped about officials giving Team USA an unfair shake. “A team that’s maybe not as deep or skilled is allowed to hold up and blatantly break the rules,” he said.
Player Perspectives: Murphy’s Stand
Murphy, who led NCAA in goals (36) and penalties (23) when she left for Milan, explained her stance. “When you represent your country, you hold yourself to a high standard. So anyone in front of the net that gets cross-checked, I’m not just going to watch that happen.” Her actions on the ice reflect this philosophy.
“You might think this is new, but it’s been happening for years,” Wroblewski added. “I want my players to play hard and win games, no matter what.”
The U.S. outshot Italy 51-6, with 20-2 in the first period. The Americans continued their dominance, scoring six goals while holding down the fort against Italian aggression.