Feb. 23, 2010

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Former Friar Karen Thatcher ('06) will play with Team USA in the gold medal game against Canada on Thursday, February 25. The game begins at 6:00 p.m. (ET) and will be televised on MSNBC.

Thatcher has performed well for USA in the four games so far. She registered an assist in USA's 12-1 victory over China in the opening game before notching a goal against both Russia and Finland. USA was the top seed in Group A following the preliminary round and defeated Sweden, 9-1, in the semifinals on Monday, February 22. Thatcher finished the game with one goal and one assist.

USA will face Canada for the gold medal for the third time in the four Olympics in which women's hockey was played. Seven former Friars led USA to the inaugural gold medal over Canada in the 1998 games. Four former Friars fell to Canada in 2002, earning silver. Team USA earned bronze in 2006.