Women’s hockey coach angry about officiating as victory against Italy becomes intense

U.S. Women’s Hockey Team Dominates Olympic Play

The U.S. women’s hockey team has been on an impressive winning streak at the 2026 Olympics, winning every match so far.

Despite this success, the team manager has expressed some concerns. Forward Taylor Heise remarked that the game against Italy was “getting a little tough,” while head coach John Wroblewski pointed out that not all teams approach the game in the same manner.

Things heated up late in the second period when Hannah Birka scored the sixth goal for Team USA, sending the puck past Italian goalie Gabriela Durante.

This goal ignited a scuffle behind the net, with Abbey Murphy from the U.S. and Franziska Stocker from Italy pushing against each other. Both players ended up receiving matching minor penalties.

Wroblewski, visibly frustrated, directed his displeasure at the Italian bench during the ensuing chaos. He voiced his concerns about the differences in officiating, suggesting that unequal treatment exists between teams. “Other than when the puck is in play, no force should separate a player from the puck,” he mentioned. “It often seems that teams lacking depth or skill are allowed to hold on and break the rules, while others are penalized for playing just as aggressively.”

Heise, who contributed an assist in the match, commented on the need for the U.S. to adapt their playstyle against the Italians. “It’s a little tough,” she shared, adding, “I think we had to play a certain style of hockey. Ultimately, we’re willing to do whatever it takes to win.”