Day 1 in České Budějovice: Soaking in the Spirit of Women’s Worlds
We finally made it to České Budějovice on the final day of group stage action, arriving less than 24 hours after Czechia’s tough loss to Canada. While the home team wasn’t playing, our first day was about getting our bearings—feeling out the arena, meeting fellow members of the media, and immersing ourselves in the atmosphere that has defined this tournament.
We were treated to an exciting Group B showdown, where Japan topped Germany in a back-and-forth thriller. That was followed by a dominant performance from Team USA, who closed out their group play with a confident win over Switzerland. Even without Czechia on the ice, the energy around the stadium was electric, and it was easy to see just how much this event has meant to the city over the past week.
Wandering the concourse, we watched fans from all corners of the hockey world share smiles, stories, and beers. Young kids ran up to the tournament mascot, wide-eyed and giddy. Families from across the globe leaned over the railings to snap photos and cheer on their teams. From the organization to the city itself, České Budějovice has crafted a world-class tournament setting that truly honors these elite athletes.
During the USA–Switzerland game, while snapping photos near the bench, we had a chance encounter that turned into something special. We struck up a conversation with Cynthia Knight—the mother of none other than Hilary Knight, captain of Team USA and one of the most iconic figures in women’s hockey. That evening, Hilary would go on to notch her 50th career assist at the Women’s Worlds, officially becoming the IIHF’s all-time assists leader.
Cynthia spoke warmly about her daughter’s journey, Team USA’s legacy, and—perhaps most notably—her admiration for the host city. She praised the hospitality, the scenery, and of course, the beer. She spoke highly about Team USA’s accommodations that overlooked the beautiful Vltava River, and she noted how genuinely kind people had been throughout their stay. It was a meaningful exchange, one that reinforced what we’ve felt since arriving: this city is doing women’s hockey proud.
As we head into practice sessions and gear up for Thursday’s quarterfinals, we can’t help but reflect on how far we’ve come. Almost exactly one year ago, ČWHR was just an idea—a passion project born from a love of Czech hockey. Now, we’re here, on the ground, sharing stories, meeting legends, and celebrating the game we love.
Our hearts are full. The real drama is about to begin.
Stay tuned.
