New York Sirens forward Casey O'Brien made an immediate impact in her senior national team debut, recording two points as the United States defeated Switzerland 7-0 at the 2026 IIHF Women's World Championship on Friday. O'Brien scored her first international goal 3:44 into the second period and added a secondary assist on a power-play goal at 12:56. She also initiated the play leading to Kirsten Simms' third-period goal, finishing with a plus-three rating and winning eight of nine faceoffs in 14:20 of ice time.
At 25, O'Brien became the third-oldest American to debut for the senior women's team since the 1998 Winter Olympics. "I've dreamed of wearing the jersey for so long," she said during the second intermission. "So now to finally get the opportunity, I'm just really excited and excited about this group." O'Brien narrowly missed the 2026 Olympic roster but earned PWHL All-Rookie Team honors after leading all rookies with 22 points (seven goals, 15 assists) and a 53.6% faceoff win rate in the 2025-26 season.
Familiar linemates boost chemistry
Coach John Wroblewski placed O'Brien on the fourth line alongside former Wisconsin teammates Lacey Eden and Kirsten Simms. "We were on a line for a little while at Wisconsin, so there was no adjustment. We just jumped right back into our chemistry," O'Brien said. The trio combined for two goals, with O'Brien and Eden setting up Simms' tally. O'Brien also centered the lone U.S. power play, winning the draw and assisting on Laila Edwards' deflection.
Holopainen stars for Finland
Sirens prospect Elisa Holopainen opened the scoring in Finland's 4-1 win over host Denmark, continuing her strong form after five goals and seven points in six games at the Women's Euro Hockey Tour and six points in seven SDHL games with Frölunda HC. The 24-year-old, drafted 19th overall in 2026, is expected to bolster New York's top six when the PWHL season begins in December.
Fillier day-to-day for Canada
Team Canada forward Sarah Fillier is considered day-to-day with an upper-body injury suffered in an exhibition game against the U.S. General manager Danièle Sauvageau said the injury is on a positive track and unlikely to sideline Fillier for the PWHL season opener. Canada opened the World Championship with a 5-1 victory over Sweden without Fillier in the lineup.
