Sweden, Finland and Germany win at women’s hockey worlds

Sweden blanked Denmark 10-0 in Herning, with Nicole Hall and Ebba Hedquist scoring twice each. Goaltender Emma Soderberg made four saves, all in the final period. Sweden has six points from two wins and is second in Group B, three behind Canada.

Finland also has six points after beating Japan 8-2. Japan took an early lead through Remi Koyama, but Finland scored three times in the first period. Emmi Juusela scored twice and added two assists; Sanni Vanhanen contributed three points with a goal and a pair of assists. Emilia Kyrkko stopped 15 shots for Finland, while Rio Noro scored Japan’s other goal. Japan remains bottom of Group B with one point.

Germany beat the Czech Republic 2-1 in a shootout in Esbjerg. Switzerland came from behind to defeat Austria 4-2. The United States leads Group A with nine points; the Czech Republic, Germany and Switzerland each have five. Austria has no points and faces a relegation game. The top four teams in each group advance to the playoffs.

The Czech team also criticized Foreign Minister Petr Macinka over remarks dismissing women’s hockey and describing potential Russian players at a January under-18 tournament in the Czech Republic as “mannish.” Forward Kristýna Kaltounková said women are equally entitled to play hockey and that sport is for everyone. Macinka apologized after athletes and politicians condemned his comments.

Finland is scheduled to play Canada on November 11, while Sweden faces Japan. The United States meets the Czech Republic, and Germany plays Switzerland.