The United States women’s Ice Hockey team have started their Vancouver 2010 campaign in emphatic fashion with a 12-1 victory over China.

It was a historic day for 4-time-Olympian Jenny Potter who not only scored her first Olympic hat-trick but also became the leading goal scorer in US Olympic history.

“She is a great role model and anytime I can get on the ice with her it’s great,” said Potter’s teammate Meghan Duggan.

The United States win comes off the back of fellow medal favourites Canada’s 18-0 victory over Slovakia last night.

In the other match of the day, Finland has come from behind to thrash the highly regarded Russian team 5-1.

Nina Tikkinen starred for the Finnish team with two goals in a match where the Russians looked outclassed in the final two periods.

Tom Read
AOC/Vancouver