US Beats Switzerland 3–0 to Open Women’s World Hockey

Switzerland goalie Andrea Braendli (R) blocks the net on United States' Amanda Kessel during the second period of an IIHF women's hockey championships game in Calgary, Alberta, on Aug. 20, 2021. Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press via AP

CALGARY, Alberta—Brianna Decker and Kendall Coyne Schofield each had a goal and an assist and the nine-time champion United States beat Switzerland 3-0 on Friday night to open the women’s world hockey championship.

The tournament began with the Beijing Olympics less than six months away. The world championship was last played in 2019 in Finland, with the United States winning its fifth straight title. The pandemic twice forced the cancellation of the event in Nova Scotia.