Laila Edwards became the first Black woman to represent and score for the U.S. women’s Olympic hockey team, marking a historic milestone in Team USA’s 5–0 victory over Canada.
MILAN — Laila Edwards called it “an incredible honor” to become the first Black woman to represent the United States in women’s Olympic hockey. On Tuesday night, the 22-year-old added another milestone to that history.
Edwards scored in the third period to punctuate Team USA’s commanding 5–0 shutout of reigning Olympic champion Canada. With the goal, she became the first Black woman to score for the U.S. women’s Olympic hockey team.
What was already a landmark moment in representation became one of performance as well.
Edwards’ goal came during a statement victory for the Americans, who overwhelmed their longtime rivals with speed, structure and relentless pressure. Her finish not only sealed the result but etched her name deeper into Olympic history.
Representation on Hockey's Biggest Stage
Tuesday’s game also marked a broader milestone for the sport. Edwards was one of three Black players on the ice — joined by Canadian forward Sarah Nurse and Canadian defender Sophie Jaques — a visible sign of hockey’s gradual but meaningful progress on its biggest stage.
For Edwards, the history matters. But so does the message, and she deflected from making the moment about herself, instead maintaining a team-first focus.
"We're playing a good brand of hockey, and we're just sticking to it," Edwards said. "We're sticking to the principles and that benefits us. We've got a great group that just gels really well together."
Still, she is proud to be among the few Black women represented in the game and believes that number will only grow.
"That makes me happy. It just shows the growth. Representation matters and especially at the very highest level, to have three of us out there."
Poulin's Absence Looms
Canada was without captain Marie-Philip Poulin after she sustained a lower-body injury Monday on a hard check from Kristyna Kaltounkova. The Czech forward caught Poulin up high with a shoulder, resulting in a two-minute minor for an illegal hit at 8:52 of the first period.
Poulin briefly returned for a shift on the ensuing power play but went back to the bench within seconds, noticeably favoring her right leg. She later departed for the locker room and was seen smiling on the Canadian bench late in the first period. However, she did not return for the remainder of the game.
Edwards wished Poulin well.
"She's one of the greatest players in the world. It's tough for her and the team. She's a hell of a player."
