Ahead of world championships in Utica, get to know the U.S. Women's National Hockey Team

Laura Sitterly, Utica Observer Dispatch
·3 min read

In less than a month, athletes from across the globe will begin to arrive in Utica for the 2024 IIHF Women’s World Championship. The first of a six-episode docuseries showcasing the journey of the Women's National Team on the road to the tournament premieres Saturday, March 9, at 4:30 p.m. ET on NHL Network.

Produced by USA Hockey and RightHand, Defending Their Ice: The Story Of The U.S. Women’s National Team, will give viewers an inside look at how the world's top women’s hockey players are preparing to defend their world championship title on home soil, officials said.

All six episodes of Defending Their Ice: The Story Of The U.S. Women's National Team will air on NHL Network, culminating on April 20.
All six episodes of Defending Their Ice: The Story Of The U.S. Women's National Team will air on NHL Network, culminating on April 20.

The 30-minute episodes will dive into different aspects of what it takes to succeed both on and off the ice at the national team level and offer an exclusive look at Team USA throughout the entirety of the 2023-24 season, starting from puck drop on game one of the Rivalry Series to the final whistle of the Women’s World Championship in April, according to a statement on the series.

Amping up the excitement

All 29 tournament games will be held in the Adirondack Bank Center in Utica – including preliminary round contests, quarterfinals, semifinals and bronze and gold-medal games.

This event marks the fifth time the U.S. has hosted the tournament, the last event was in 2017 when the games were held in Plymouth, Mich. Other host cities have included Lake Placid, N.Y. (1994), Minneapolis, Minn. (2001), and Burlington, Vt. (2012).

The first of a six-episode docuseries showcasing the journey of the Women's National Team on the road to the tournament, will premier March 9 at 4:30 p.m. ET on NHL Network.
The first of a six-episode docuseries showcasing the journey of the Women's National Team on the road to the tournament, will premier March 9 at 4:30 p.m. ET on NHL Network.

Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente alluded to the excitement surrounding the event.

“When we first announced that Oneida County was hosting the IIHF Women’s World Championship, we promised it would be a party unlike anything this region has ever seen. We can’t wait for everyone to be a part of this unique experience.”

Adirondack Sports Council (ADKSC) Communications Director Jon Lundin encouraged locals to "amp up their excitement."

“Everyone should come out and be a part of this event, it’s going to be an unforgettable experience. Less than a month away, everyone involved in hosting the 2024 IIHF Women’s World Championship is excited to showcase the City of Utica and Oneida County to a global audience.”

The U.S. Women's National Team faces off against Canada in the 2023-24 Rivalry Series, a seven-game competition featuring the the two rivals.
The U.S. Women's National Team faces off against Canada in the 2023-24 Rivalry Series, a seven-game competition featuring the the two rivals.

Tune in as the team takes the road

USA Hockey officials say the docuseries offers fans a chance to harness their anticipation.

All episodes will air on NHL Network, culminating on April 20.

The full schedule includes:

  • Episode One – Trailblazers – Saturday, March 9 at 4:30 p.m. ET

  • Episode Two – Gearing Up – Saturday, March 16 at 5:30 p.m. ET

  • Episode Three – Icebreakers – Saturday, March 23 at 12 p.m. ET

  • Episode Four – A Global Game – Saturday, March 30 at 5:30 p.m. ET

  • Episode Five – The Chosen – Wednesday, April 3 at 9:30 p.m. ET

  • Episode Six – On The Brink Of Glory – Saturday, April 20 at 5:30 p.m ET

Those who tune in will get to hear from current stars of the game, including Hilary Knight, Kendall Coyne Schofield, Megan Keller, Taylor Heise and Caroline Harvey – along with cameo appearances from the U.S. Women’s National Team alumni Cammi Granato and Ellen Hughes, the statement said.

This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: NHL Network airing docuseries on U.S. Women's National Hockey Team