Taylor Heise – CanucksBanter

1. Hannah Bilka and Taylor Heise (USA): The duo of young NCAA stars share the first star honors after combining for five points in the USA’s 9-0 win over Switzerland.

Heise who had yet to score poured in a pair for the USA in the first period showing off her shot, which to this point had been overshadowed by her playmaking skills.

Bilka found chemistry with veteran Hilary Knight in this game assisting on both of Knight’s goals, and scoring her own on a redirection in the first to give the USA a commanding lead.

The youngsters will lead the American’s into the next generation.

2. Akane Shiga, LW (JAP): Throughout the tournament, Akane Shiga has played with speed, and was the most consistent threat for Team Japan. Shiga finally saw that pay dividends against Finland scoring on a back door play in the first period to make the score 1-1, and scoring again in the second, this time on a solo effort taking her own rebound on the rush to make it 4-2. Shiga, who is only 21, added an assist on Japan’s final goal and will be counted on as a central figure for Japan in the quarterfinal.

3. Mira Jungaker, D (SWE): The young defender has been a stalwart for Sweden not only playing in key defensive moments, but also leading the charge offensively at times. Jungaker has stepped up on the power play and in transition to keep the puck moving forward for Sweden.

Source: thehockeynews.com

1. Taylor Heise, F (USA) – Heise immediately made herself known with the USA’s senior national team, helping set up five goals. She controlled the puck, showed patience, and effectively dished as her teammates entered open ice. An impressive debut for the 22-year-old. The tournament MVP at the U-18 World Championship in 2018, Heise is already showing her game can transfer to the next level.

2. Marie-Philip Poulin, F (CAN) – Canada’s top player against Finland, Poulin showed the trademark attributes that make her the best in the game. On the power play, she fed a shot-pass directly to Sarah Nurse’s tape for a tip to open the scoring, and then tallied the game-winning goal herself later in the first. Throughout the game, her patience in zone entries and ability to vary her own attack created chances. She still looks like she’s playing at a level above the competition.

3. Anni Keisala, G (FIN) – Facing 43 shots, things could have been much worse for the Finns against Canada without Keisela stepping into the net. Many questioned the Finnish direction when she replaced Noora Raty before the 2021 World Championship. Keisala answered by being named the tournament’s best goaltender and has continued her stellar play. She stopped several point blank chances by the Canadians, and slowed the pace for Finland when they repeatedly found themselves pinned in their own end. Despite the loss, Keisala is off to an excellent start.