USA Hockey and the US Women's National Team agreed to a new deal Tuesday, ending the team's boycott of the upcoming World Championships in Michigan.
The three time defending world champs will square off against rival Canada Friday at 7:30 in round robin action of the tournament.
While the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed by either side, according to USA Hockey the new contract"will result in groundbreaking support" of the women's team over the next four years.
“Today reflects everyone coming together and compromising in order to reach a resolution for the betterment of the sport,” said Jim Smith, president of USA Hockey in a statement. “We’ll now move forward together knowing we’ll look back on this day as one of the most positive in the history of USA Hockey.”
“Our sport is the big winner today,” Team USA Captain Meghan Duggan added.
“We stood up for what we thought was right and USA Hockey’s leadership listened. In the end, both sides came together. I’m proud of my teammates and can’t thank everyone who supported us enough. It’s time now to turn the page. We can’t wait to play in the World Championship later this week in front of our fans as we try and defend our gold medal.”
Following the announcement, members of the women's team released a video. It features Getzville native Emily Pfalzer, who is a defenseman for Team USA.
To Our Dearest Fans,
Together, WE dared to make history. And couldn't have done it without you. See you at #2017WWC#BeBoldForChange #OwnIt pic.twitter.com/PvbaXkCnyZ— Emily Pfalzer (@EmilyPfalzer) March 29, 2017
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