The United States came away with a 5-2 win over Finland on Thursday morning in their opener at the 2022 Winter Olympics, but they did so without one of their key forwards.
About half-way through the first period, Brianna Decker got tangled up with one of Finland's players in the American's zone. Both players fell to the ice after the Finnish player accidently tripped Decker with her leg. Decker was down on the ice for a bit, needed to be stretchered off and did not return.
Late in the third period, Decker was seen watching the game in a walking boot and with crutches.
According to Erica L. Ayala, USA Hockey has confirmed that Decker will not play again at the 2022 Winter Olympics. That's a massive blow to the United States' lineup.
This was Decker's third Olympic Games after taking home silver in 2014 and gold in 2018. Hopefully she recovers quickly and we see her back on the ice in time for the World Championship in late-August.
USA Hockey confirmed she will not return for the tournament. #Beijing2022 https://t.co/7y3f081rC1— Erica L. Ayala 💪🏽 (@elindsay08) February 3, 2022
