The U.S. women’s hockey team, after a near-boycott, opens its bid for its first world championship on home ice in Plymouth, Mich., on Friday.
The U.S. also seeks its first four-peat in world championships history, dating to the first tournament in 1990.
Its first three games will be in group play against the world’s other top nations -- three-time Olympic champion Canada, Russia and Finland.
The top two teams in group play advance directly to the semifinals next Thursday. The bottom two advance to the quarterfinals.
The U.S. is coached by former NHL goalie Robb Stauber. Its roster is packed with Olympic silver medalists, including forward Hilary Knight, who was the MVP of the last two world championships.
Forward Amanda Kessel is on her first worlds team since 2013 after coming back from a life-altering concussion.
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The slated U.S. schedule:
| Date | Time (ET) | Opponent | Network |
| Friday, March 31 | 7:30 p.m. | Canada | NHL Network/NHL.com |
| Saturday, April 1 | 3:30 p.m. | Russia | NHL Network/NHL.com |
| Monday, April 3 | 7:30 p.m. | Finland | NHL.com |
| Thursday, April 6 | TBD | Semifinal | NHL.com |
| Friday, April 7 | 3:30 p.m. | Bronze-Medal Game | NHL Network/NHL.com |
| Friday, April 7 | 7:30 p.m. | Gold-Medal Game | NHL Network/NHL.com |
