Laila Edwards has emerged as one of the best power forwards in the world starring for the University of Wisconsin women's hockey team. Now she's bringing her game to Team USA at the World Championships.
Laila Edwards has emerged as one of the best power forwards in the world starring for the University of Wisconsin women's hockey team. Now she's bringing her game to Team USA at the World Championships.
Laila Edwards will have a sizeable impact on USA's national team. She's a 6-foot-1 forward who uses her size to drive the net, and her reach to protect pucks.
With the University of Wisconsin this season, Edwards had an awakening. She was named to USA's Rivalry Series roster in November and December, but played only a single game. When that happened, it didn't look like Edwards' chance to make Team USA for the 2024 World Championships were strong, but what she did following those Rivalry Series games in the NCAA forced USA's hand.
Facing Ohio State in the WCHA final, Edwards scored twice and totalled four points in a 6-3 Wisconsin win. She followed that by scoring twice and adding an assist for Wisconsin in their opening NCAA national championship tournament win over St. Lawrence and then scored a goal and an assist against Colgate in the Frozen Four.
Edwards became the first Black woman to ever represent Team USA earlier this year when she made her Rivalry Series debut, and when she steps on the ice at the IIHF World Championships in Utica, she'll also be the the first Black woman ever to play for USA at a senior World Championship.