On a recent evening, Taylor Heise and Abbey Murphy shone in Team USA women’s hockey Rivalry Series-opener with a 4-1 victory over Canada, but they chose to highlight their teammate Laila Edwards. Heise referred to Edwards as the “Queen of Cleveland,” a nickname they had been using all week.
During her homecoming, 21-year-old Edwards received thunderous applause when her name was announced. Captain Hilary Knight invited her to participate in the ceremonial opening faceoff against Canada’s captain, Marie-Philip Poulin. Additionally, Edwards played a crucial role by providing the primary assist for Team USA’s first goal.
Describing the moment when her shot set up Heise’s tying goal in the first period, Edwards expressed her excitement, saying, “I just felt the electricity…I was super excited and kind of shocked…This is awesome.” Originally a forward from Cleveland Heights, Edwards made history as the first Black female player for Team USA.
Despite injuring her knee in a college game three weeks earlier and still wearing a brace, Edwards managed to take the ice, a feat that impressed her teammates. Heise was instrumental in the game, scoring and assisting on all three of Murphy’s goals. Aerin Frankel, the projected U.S. starter, made 26 saves, extending the Americans’ winning streak against Canada to three games.
The next game between the two teams will take place in Buffalo, New York, with the series concluding in Edmonton, Alberta, next month. While the U.S. team are the reigning world champions, Canada holds the title of defending Olympic champions, having secured their fifth gold medal at the 2022 Beijing Games.
Sarah Fillier scored the lone goal for Canada, with Eve Gascon making her debut in net and stopping 22 shots. The decision to rest several veteran players, including goalie Ann-Renee Desbiens, led to a younger lineup for Canada.
Looking ahead to the upcoming games, Fillier emphasized the team’s determination to learn from their loss and make a statement in the next match in Buffalo. The Americans dominated the game in the second period, with Murphy completing a hat trick, with Heise providing key assists.
Edwards is expected to make her Olympic debut at the upcoming Milan-Cortina Games in February, adding to her impressive achievements, which include a national championship with the Badgers and a world championship gold medal. Coach John Wroblewski praised Edwards for her poise under the spotlight, describing her as a true competitor.
Reflecting on a recent experience where NBA player Larry Nance wore her USA hockey jersey to a game, Edwards expressed her excitement, highlighting the significance of the moment. Nance, whose father was a basketball legend for the Cavaliers, donned Edwards’ jersey, a gesture that deeply resonated with her.
The game showcased the talent and determination of the players, setting the stage for an exciting series between these fierce rivals.