The Finland women’s national hockey team had to cancel their practice session on Wednesday due to a stomach illness affecting a minimum of four players, as confirmed by a team spokesperson. The team is set to kick off the Milan-Cortina Olympics against reigning champion Canada in Italy. Despite the setback, the game is still slated to proceed, with team officials updating the International Ice Hockey Federation on the situation. Following the game, Finland will have a day off on Friday before facing the United States on Saturday.
Reportedly, four players of the Finland team experienced stomach issues overnight, likely due to a norovirus, as initially disclosed by Finland’s national public broadcaster Yle. The affected players have been isolated in their rooms for the day. Finland has a successful history in women’s hockey, having secured the Olympic bronze medal four times, including a third-place finish at the 2022 Beijing Games. Additionally, the team has clinched bronze in the last two women’s world championships.
On the other hand, the United States women’s hockey team, led by head coach John Wroblewski, is gearing up for their tournament opener with a target on their backs as the reigning world champions. The team recently swept the Rivalry Series against Canada, the defending Olympic champions, in four consecutive games. Wroblewski emphasized the team’s transformation since facing tough challenges in previous years, building a youthful squad capable of enduring the rigors of the Olympic competition.
The United States will face the Czech Republic in their upcoming match, with the group stage opponents being seen as potential contenders for a podium finish, despite limited Olympic experience. The highly anticipated rematch of the 2022 gold medal game between the United States and Canada is scheduled for February 10 during the preliminary stage. Wroblewski emphasized the importance of confidence and readiness over mere competition, urging his team to rely on muscle memory and self-assurance for a strong performance.
Overall, both the Finland and United States women’s hockey teams are navigating challenges and high expectations as they embark on their Olympic campaigns in Milan-Cortina.