Tuesday’s preliminary round matchup between the United States and Canada in Milan made records as the Americans sealed a stunning 5-0 victory, giving the Canadians their first-ever Olympic loss. But taking the highlight from the rivalry match was Laila Edwards, who created history as the first Black woman to play for the U.S. Olympic women’s hockey team. In addition to that, the youngster even scored her first Olympic goal for the American national team.
For Edwards, this victory has given her a new pathway ahead in her career that would come in support through her historic run in the Winter Games 2026 as a part of Team USA. From a standout player at the University of Wisconsin to her journey in reaching the international stage in Milan is one inspiring example for the future generations of Black athletes coming into the sport.
Post the historic win, Edwards sat down in an interview with NBC and shared her views on the team’s performance while crediting the consistency and teamwork among the squad.
“We’re playing a good brand of hockey and we’re just sticking to it. We’re sticking to the principles and that benefits us. We’ve got a great group that just gels really well together,” she said.
Both Edwards and the U.S. squad are heading with a strong performance into the playoff rounds after defeating a top team like Canada on the Olympic stage.
Team U.S. performance in Winter Games 2026 so far
In the first four games played in the tournament, the U.S. team has scored five goals in each while giving away only one, which takes their statistics so far to 20:1 at the Winter Games 2026. The team has had a dominant defense in every game played. Goalkeeper Aerin Frankel was brilliant on her part while managing to stop 20 shots against Canada.
Making her Olympic debut in the tournament, Hannah Bilka netted two goals. The U.S. squad was led by its captain, Hilary Knight, who is a five-time Olympian. She has tied the team’s record for 32 Olympic points in career history.
After the win against Canada, the U.S. has taken the top spot in Group A. They are next headed to play against Italy on February 13 for the quarterfinals round. Meanwhile, Canada has one more group stage match left to play, which is scheduled on February 12 against Finland.
