The United States women’s ice hockey team will roll with goalie Jessie Vetter as their starter for at least their first game of the 2014 Olympics, USA Today’s Kevin Allen reports. The American team faces potential upset threat Finland on Saturday.
Such a nod can be a larger sign of approval, although hockey coaches often rotate netminders to see if one gets on a hot streak, especially during a short tournament.
American head coach Katey Stone has good reason to stick with Vetter, 28, as she already has the experience of starting on the U.S. team that won silver in 2010. That being said, gold is the goal as America continues its women’s ice hockey rivalry with Canada.
Brianne McLaughlin was hoping to usurp Vetter after backing her up in Vancouver, but it’s plausible that Vetter maintains the upper hand in Stone’s eyes. That could change quickly if things don’t go well for the American team, though.