On February 13, the women’s Olympic ice hockey tournament continued with the start of the quarter-finals. Sweden and the Czech Republic faced off to kick off the first day of the quarter-finals.
Related: Guide to the 2026 Winter Olympics Women’s Hockey Tournament
In the first period, Sweden only had two penalties, but the score did not change. Early in the second period, Sweden took advantage of their first power play of the match, giving them the goal advantage heading into the third period.
Although the Czech Republic had two power play opportunities in the third, they were unable to capitalize on them. Towards the end of the match they withdrew the goalkeeper in an attempt to even the score. In the end it was Sweden that sent the puck home and for one 2-0 shutout win to advance to the semi-finals of the tournament.
Svensson with a two-point play
Sweden scored twice in this match, and both times Hilda Svensson put her name on the competition form.
Just three minutes into the second period, Tereza Vanisova was subbed for interference Ebba Svensson Hit. A minute into the power play, Hanna Olsson scored thanks to a brilliant pass from Svensson.
With a few minutes left to play, the Czech Republic signed Klara Peslarova to try to level the score. Svensson gained control of the puck and sent it into the empty net to secure Sweden’s victory.
During the regular season, Svensson plays in the NCAA for Ohio State University. She currently has 44 points in 26 games, showing strong offensive prowess. This is only her first season in the NCAA, so she still has a ways to go before she can make the transition to playing professionally, whether she chooses to play in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) or internationally. Whatever she decides, she is on track for a successful hockey career.
Svensson Traff with the shutout
This game marks Sweden’s third shutout in the tournament, and Svensson Traff’s second. The first was against France on February 8, but Emma Soderberg was in net and recorded the shutout. On February 10, Traff earned her first shutout when she stopped all twenty of Japan’s shots.
This game was different from the first two shutouts that Sweden recorded in the tournament. This time the Czech Republic defeated Sweden 29-23. The two teams were evenly matched; The Czech Republic still had the upper hand offensively. Ultimately, Traff held on for her team’s third shutout of the tournament.
The 21-year-old goaltender has spent her entire career as a player Linköping HC in Sweden. So far this season, she has played 32 games with a .933 save percentage and a 9-23-0 record. Although this was not her strongest season, she held the net for her team at the Olympics. This tournament could be her turning point in the regular season when she returns to her team. So far, she has delivered solid performances on the international stage.
Czech Republic’s special teams contributed to their elimination
Olsson’s goal was the fourth power play goal allowed by the Czech Republic in the tournament. Considering they took 34 total penalty minutes, they only allowed goals on four of the 17 power play opportunities they allowed. They tried to keep the penalty strong, but ultimately it was their downfall in this match.
Sweden scored on the first power play chance they allowed, and the Czech Republic failed to convert on their five chances for the extra-player advantage in this match. Special teams continued to be a struggle, especially on the power play. They put up a tough battle, but Sweden was the stronger team in the end.
Sweden advances to the semi-finals
Sweden will participate in the semi-finals on Monday, February 16.
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