Finland lose to USA in women's ice hockey in Beijing

Finland women´s ice hockey team were defeated to USA in their opening match in the ice hockey tournament at Wukesong Sports Centre in Beijing 2022 on Thursday by 2-5.

Susanna Tapani scored both the goals for Finland while Alex Carpenter and Kendall Coyne Schofield scored two goals each and Amanda Kessel one for the winners.

Finnish Olympic debutant Anni Keisala showed extra-ordinary performance and bravely faced more than 50 shots, although it was not enough to bring the results for the Finns.

Meanwhile, newcomer the Czech Republic breezed over host China 3-1 in the opener, while Japan beat Sweden with the same scoreline in Group B, reported Xinhua.

The Czech women finished with 36 shots on goal, compared to 14 shots from China who is competing in its fourth Olympics.

Tereza Radova put the Czech Republic ahead at 10:38, Denisa Krizova followed suit at 23:57.

After China seized the opportunity to pull one back on a powerplay by Mi Le at 29:02, Michaela Pejzlova made the third goal at 6:27 of the third period to ensure the victory for the Czech Republic.

Resilient Japan beat Sweden 3-1, with the last scored one minute before the end of the game.

"It's such a shame with this defeat that ends like this," said Swedish forward Michelle Lowenhielm.

"We just need to get that fighting spirit going and do the job all the way," she added.

In Group A, Canada crushed Switzerland 12-1.