Katerina Mrazova could be out for the remainder of the IIHF Worlds, Lina Ljungblom scored her first, PWHL Draft prospects were performing, and Laila Edwards made history. Here's what we're hearing and seeing from Utica, New York.
With the PWHL on pause, we're switching our PWHL Rumblings to a World Rumblings. The storylines at the tournament will continue to grow from PWHL Draft information, injuries impacting the PWHL, and international news as well.
Here's what we're hearing and seeing from Utica, New York.
Mrazova May Not Return
PWHL Ottawa and Team Czechia star Katerina Mrazova was injured in a Czechia pre-tournament game against the USA when she collided with teammate Adela Sapovalivova. The injury, which she's still undergoing tests for, sounds as thought it may keep Mrazova out for the entire World Championship tournament, and could impact the end of her PWHL campaign. When Mrazova left the PWHL for the international break, she was on a tear sitting fourth in the PWHL in scoring while leading Ottawa back to a playoff spot. If the tests on her knee come back negative, Mrazova could return later in the tournament, but that decision will be measured on a day-to-day basis. For now, Mrazova will remain out in the coming days, and potentially much longer.
PWHL Draft Prospects Show Their Worth
It didn't take long for PWHL Draft prospects to show their worth on the world stage in Utica. Czech defender Daniela Pejsova was a physical presence and played crucial minutes for Czechia shutting down Finland's top line time and again. She led all Czechia players in time on ice playing 23:38 in the opening game. Klara Hymlarova also stood out scoring a beautiful goal that started in her own zone and ended in Finland's net, an effort that earned her player of the game honors. As well, netminder Klara Peslarova made 21 saves shutting out Finland for her first win of the tournament. On the other side of the puck, Noora Tulus and Ronja Savolainen were held off the scoresheet, but still showed why they're considered two of the top players in the world as they regularly led Finland's attack and Savolainen showed her physical presence in her own zone as well.
Ljungblom Gets Her First Showing PWHL Montreal What They're Waiting For
PWHL Montreal draft pick Lina Ljungblom picked up her first goal of the tournament for Sweden in a 3-1 win over Denmark to open the tournament. Sweden dominated and it was Ljungblom's second period powerplay marker that would stand as the eventual game winner for Sweden. She took a feed in the slot against Denmark from Hilda Svensson before dropping to one knee and beating Denmark's netminder Emma-Sofie Nordstrom to make it 2-0 at the time. Ljungblom, who was recently named the SDHL's Most Valuable Player, was Montreal's 15th pick, 90th overall in the 2023 PWHL Draft.
Laila Edwards Makes History
Laila Edwards officially wrote her name into the history books in USA's opening game becoming the first Black woman in Team USA history to play at the IIHF World Championships. She played for USA at the Rivalry Series in late 2023, but Wednesday's tournament opening 4-0 win over Switzerland, where she played 10:23, was Edwards' debut with the American senior national team at an IIHF event.