USA and Sweden Secure First Points in President’s Pool – Czech Goalie Delivers Massive Effort
Team Czechia – Team USA 0–12
The 2025 World Ringette Championships got underway in Lahti as President’s Pool teams team Czechia and Team USA faced off in the opening match at RTK Arena. At 5:37 into the first period, Cadence Pirtle opened the scoring by capitalizing on a rebound off Czech goalie Kateřina Dvořáková. Team USA maintained control throughout the first period. Nyah Bodnarchuck added to the momentum with a slick lateral move past the goalie, giving the Americans a commanding five-goal lead just before the end of the first.
The second period saw the USA further extend their lead. Their skating speed created multiple breakaway opportunities, putting constant pressure on Dvořáková, who nonetheless made several impressive saves. By the time the teams headed into the long intermission between the second and third periods, the scoreboard read 0–9 in favor of Team USA.
After the break, Czechia began to find their rhythm and match the pace of their opponents. The final period featured strong performances on both ends of the ice. Šarlota Tomasco stood out in the center forward position, while young defender Andrea Sammon impressed with her composure and skill—earning her the title of Best Player of the Game for Czechia. On the American side, defender Jenna Fedigan was recognized as Team USA’s top performer.
Team Sweden – Team Czechia 7–4
In the second game of the day at the World Ringette Championships President’s Pool, Sweden defeated Czechia 7–4. Czech goalie Kateřina Dvořáková was the standout player of the game, recording an incredible 75 saves. She faced relentless pressure from the Swedish offense, making 23 saves in the first period alone. Despite the heavy workload, Czechia struck first: Šarlota Tomasco gave her team a 0–1 lead at 13:16 after capitalizing on a scoring opportunity. Sweden quickly responded, with Meri Ruuska equalizing before the end of the first period. The second period remained tight, with only one goal scored—sending the teams into the long intermission with Sweden leading 2–1.
In the third period, Swedish captain Jessika Runolf orchestrated the offense, assisting in four consecutive goals as Sweden pulled ahead to 4–1. Czechia fought back, narrowing the gap to 4–3 with a well-executed passing play involving Veronika Kamasová, Senika Velisek, and Michelle Bettauer. Sweden regained momentum as Natalie Castañeda Månsson scored twice in quick succession, extending the lead. The match concluded with Sweden securing a 7–4 victory.
Players of the Game were Kajsa Frankenberg for Sweden and Kateřina Dvořáková for Czechia.
President’s Pool continues tomorrow at 12 pm local time. Both teams had victories today, so tomorrow’s match will be exciting!
Photographer Timo Kupiainen
