More Action on Day 3 of 2026 World Masters Hockey Indoor World Cup

Though the scoreboard showed a 13-1 loss against Spain, the final tally did not tell the whole story. The O-55 Men's squad showed remarkable resilience, finding their rhythm and improving with every minute on the pitch. Varad Rajulu (Glenmont, N.Y.) had the lone goal for USA, finishing it from the left side of the circle in the eighth minute. Ikuo Saito (Port Washington, N.Y.) continued to impress in cage, keeping the team in the fight was a series of impressive saves. Walter Velasquez (Gaithersburg, Md.) showed incredible fortitude, getting right back in action after getting patched up after suffering an injury to the face. The match served as a vital learning experience, as the O-55 Men face the Netherlands in their second match of the day.

An even match from start to finish, the O-50 Men tied Wales, 3-3, in their third game. Both teams notched two goals in the first quarter, starting with Wales. USA quickly responded with a penalty corner chance that led to a penalty stroke, which was made by Rennie Milne (Philadelphia, Pa.). Next, USA's goal from Jaime Rodríguez Cartagena (Worcester, Mass.) was quickly answered by Wales on a penalty corner of their own, and the score was tied at 2-2 after the opening frame. There would be no goals from either side for the next two quarters, as USA's defensive penalty corner unit outlasted several Wales set pieces. In the final ten minutes, USA broke through with a goal from Joost Vlek (Seattle, Wa.), but Wales was able to tie it yet again with just four minutes remaining.

In dramatic fourth-quarter fashion, the O-55 Women tied the Netherlands. It was minute seven when the Netherlands scored, taking a 1-0 lead that they would hold for a majority of the match. After both teams kept each other at bay in the second quarter, the Netherlands earned a penalty stroke in the opening seconds of the third, and Jen Anderson (Owings Mills, Md.) made the save. With time expired in the third quarter, Anderson made yet another heroic penalty stroke save. Time ticked down, but with seven minutes left to play, USA earned a penalty corner which in turn earned a penalty stroke. All eyes were on Nicky Hitchens (Philadelphia, Pa.), who converted the opportunity and tied the match.

In their match-up against Germany, USA's O-60 Women showed determination throughout, continuing to battle despite trailing 3-1 at halftime. USA's lone goal came in the first quarter from Moira Leavitt (Davidsonville, Md.), assisted by Christine Couteau (Skillman, N.J.). The Golden Eagles had several shining defensive moments, including a big defensive save from Barb Wachowiak (Hamburg, N.Y.) in the first frame and impeccable save from goalkeeper Liz Ferrara (Danbury, Conn.) in the second. The squad worked hard against Germany's sustained pressure, showing resilience, but finished out with an 8-1 loss.

The O-65 Men faced an athletic Germany side, never giving up their fight despite their opponent's daunting offensive unit. USA goalkeeper Rene Herrera (Snowflake, Ariz.) had a superb outing, making several exceptional saves.

A goal in every quarter propelled USA's O-35 Men to a 4-2 victory over Wales, their first win of the MIWC. The tenacious USA squad went into the match with a solid game plan, laid out by head coach Bobby Alexander and executed by the team. Abdel Elketani (Danbury, Conn.) got things started for USA with a goal in the first quarter, and Christian Kiffner (Los Angeles, Calif.) converted a penalty corner to secure the 2-0 lead. Wales would strike right before the halftime break, as USA led 2-1. A stunning run up the field from captain Brett Andrews (Pittsburg, Pa.), who was a stalwart of the backline the whole match, led to Rick Oenning (Sanford, N.C.) scoring in the third quarter, as USA reclaimed its two-goal advantage. It was a much needed reprieve, as Wales scored again to end the frame. A second goal from Elketani sealed the deal for USA, who finished with a 4-2 win. The team was a well-oiled machine, with highlights such as incredible hustle from Stephen Nodder (Mclean, Va.), saves from David Eddie (Winchester, Mass.), and confidence from Jesse Larson (Crownsville, Md.).

In their second match of the day, the O-55 Men fell 22-0 to the Netherlands. The Dutch utilized quick free hits and deflections to move deftly around the court, keeping the USA side at bay, save for one penalty corner chance in the third quarter. Under constant pressure, USA goalkeeper Ikuo Saito (Port Washington, N.Y.) made several saves, and was especially active in the final frame when USA was a player down on a green card.

Despite seeing chances on attack throughout the match, the O-65 Women were not able to capitalize, as they were shut out by Germany, 6-0. Germany started out the match strong, converting a penalty stroke in the second minute of play and notching a second goal just five minutes later. Despite USA earning three penalty corner chances in the second quarter, it was Germany who tallied twice more, as USA trailed 4-0. USA made some key adjustments at halftime, and were able to keep Germany to two goals in the second half. Overall, USA played well against the strong German side, with Karen Stout (West Chester, Pa.) performing well on attack and defense, while Lee Gerdes (Lancaster, Pa.) made plenty of saves in goal. Another key player for the red, white and blue was Deb Atkins (Quarryville, Pa.), who was effective in interceptions and drawing penalty corners.

The O-60 Women fell to Canada, 3-0, in a fairly tight match-up. USA started off on the attack, garnering two penalty corners, but unable to convert them. Towards the end of the opening frame, Canada took the offensive, tallying off two set piece chances of their own. The next goal would not come until after halftime, when Canada notched a third in minute 29. Despite several more offensive chances, USA was fruitless, shutout by their opponent.

For more information on the 2026 MIWC, visit the event page.