The Wisconsin Badgers women's hockey program had a strong showing at the 2024 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Women's World Championship in Utica, New York. After helping Team Her USA win a silver medal, Wisconsin's Laila Edwards and Caroline Harvey each received awards for their contributions to the tournament.
Edwards and Harvey's playmaking ability was evident every time they took to the ice in Utica and clearly demonstrated why they were chosen to compete on the world stage.
Edwards' previous national team experience included participation in seven games in the 2023-24 Rivalry Series against Canada from November to February. Edwards's IIHF Women's World Championship debut was a memorable one, as she finished the tournament with MVP honors. At 20 years old, Edwards became the youngest non-goalkeeper to win the award.
“I learned a lot from my teammates and coaches and myself. I learned that I can overcome this situation,” Edwards said in a press conference Wednesday. “It was my first time doing this, but I didn't have to be shy or hold back.”
And Edwards didn't hold back. The Badgers forward, along with teammate Alex Carpenter, led the tournament with a commendable six goals in seven games on just 10 attempts.
“It’s a great honor to be in that category and be part of the conversation,” Edwards said. “Women's hockey is growing, so there's a little bit of pressure, but it's great to play a big role in it, but it also means that the spotlight is on me, and I don't know what the meaning of what I'm doing is. That’s how big it is.”
Harvey had nothing but good things to say when talking about his teammates' efforts in stepping up to the next level.
“We knew she would step up even more. She has it in her. She has that 'it' factor,” Harvey said at a press conference.
Both Edwards and Harvey were among five Team USA players to score in the gold medal battle against high-scoring Canada. Edwards scored the tying goal, his first goal for the U.S. team, midway through the first period. It was a back-and-forth affair between the United States and Canada as it was the highest-scoring match since the 2015 gold medal match. Canada had the upper hand in the third period with a 5-4 lead, but Harvey's tying goal ended regulation and sent the game into overtime.
And they did it in the heart of a packed Adirondack Bank Center.
“I just remember how loud it was. You couldn't even hear it at some points when they were calling something, and the crowd was so loud,” Harvey said. “I couldn't even hear my teammates talking next to me.”
The defender led the tournament with eight assists and also boasted 10 points and a plus-12 rating.
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Team USA's setback against Canada late in the tournament is just more motivation for the Badgers as they prepare for next season.
“I'm very motivated. I already want to start next year, but preparation is the most important thing and I'm excited to push that this offseason and prepare for a great season next year with this team.” and hopefully get an opportunity with Team USA,” Harvey said.
Although humbling, Edwards and Harvey's outstanding performances will undoubtedly put them high on the list for their next national team call-up.
In addition to their postseason contributions for Team USA, the soon-to-be juniors made a decisive impact on the Badgers' program this regular season. Edwards played in all 41 games, scoring a career-high 56 points with 21 goals and 35 assists, while Harvey ranked third in the WCHA with 49 blocks and 30 assists, plus a plus-54 rating.
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