The Fearless, Frozen Females of Hockey

From the outset, the fact that the United States outshot Sweden by an astounding 70-9 margin does not bode well for the cynics who believe women’s hockey should be removed from the Winter Games. While IIHF president Rene Fasel advised USA Today that he is optimistic about the sports’ future at the Games, the fact that Sweden qualified for the medal round is truly admirable. Considering that the Swedes were in the relegation round at the 2013 IIHF Women’s Worlds in Ottawa, Canada, they were not favored to be competing for medals in Sochi. A pair of visceral upsets, Switzerland defeating Russia, and Sweden upending their eternal rival Finland, certainly indicated that competition is improving in the women’s game. Although Canada will play the United States in the gold medal match for the fourth time in the history of the event at the Winter Games, Sweden’s goaltending definitely should encourage their fans to believe that a bronze medal is highly possible. Valentina Wallner and ...

Heading into the 2014 Sochi Winter Games, the Swedish national women’s team has strong momentum. Prior to Christmas 2013, legendary Swedish forward Pernilla Winberg participated in her 200th career game in the famous gold and blue Swedish jersey.  The 200th game for Sweden sets the stage for what hopes to be an even more improved 2014. Along with Kim Martin, Winberg is one of the most recognizable and famous faces from the Swedish team. After a disappointing seventh place finish at the 2013 IIHF Women’s World Championships in Ottawa, Canada, where Sweden played in the relegation round, Winberg’s milestone game could not have come at a better time. The magical milestone occurred during Sweden’s participation in a 4-nations tournament in Orebro from December 11-15, 2013. Competing against other European nations that shall take part in Sochi 2014, including Russia, Germany and arch-rival Finland, Winberg helped Sweden to a second-place finish.  Depsite a 3-2 loss...