Olympic semifinal aftermath: experts criticise hit on emma söderberg

Sweden trailing as controversial hit on replacement goalkeeper draws criticism

Sweden fell behind the United States in the Olympic women's ice hockey semifinal, and the match intensified when substitute goaltender Emma Söderberg was struck by a body check to the head. The play, which occurred during the second period with the scoreboard already reading 5–0 in favour of the United States, resulted in a two-minute penalty being assessed to Abbey Murphy. The decision and the handling of the incident drew sharp criticism from experts in the SVT studio.

The incident and on-ice penalties

With the score 5–0 and the game leaning decisively toward the Americans, Emma Söderberg had just entered as the replacement netminder. Moments later, she was contacted by Abbey Murphy behind the Swedish net, a hit that SVT analysts described as directed at the head. The on-ice officials issued a two-minute minor penalty to Murphy. Swedish defender Jessica Adolfsson received a two-minute penalty as well after she reacted to the contact and pushed the American forward.

Expert reaction in the televised studio

SVT commentators Maria Rooth and Jonas Andersson reacted strongly in the period break. Rooth said she was repeatedly frustrated by the behaviour she described from the American player, characterising it as something the player does frequently and calling it damaging for the sport. Andersson called the play "clearly deserving of a match penalty, " saying the hit was to the head and that the player had ample opportunity to avoid contact. He called for retrospective sanctions, including suspensions and fines, and urged officials to use post-game review more actively.

Another commentator, Mira Jungåker, criticised officials for not reviewing the play on video: "I watched the replay. It is hopeless that they didn't even look at such a situation, " she said, adding that officials need to step up. Jungåker also suggested that simulation by players could be assessed as diving and penalised.

Calls for stricter enforcement and retrospective review

In the studio, Andersson framed the issue as broader than the single incident, calling it a problem across both men's and women's hockey and urging governing bodies and referees to remove such hits from the game. He recommended that leagues and tournament organisers consider automatic review, match suspensions, and fines to deter similar actions. Rooth and Jungåker echoed the call for better officiating and stronger deterrents.

Game context and scoring summary

The second-period escalation followed a sequence in which the United States pulled ahead with multiple goals in quick succession. The scoring timeline included an early 1–0 by Cayla Barnes at 05: 09, followed by Taylor Heise at 29: 09. Abbey Murphy herself was on the scoresheet at 35: 12 before back-to-back goals by Kendall Coyle at 36: 10 and Hayley Scamurra at 37: 10 pushed the scoreline to 5–0.

Despite the heavy scoreline and the heated exchange surrounding the hit on Söderberg, Swedish players and commentators emphasised the need for both improved play from the national side and clearer, firmer officiating standards from those administering the game.

What officials and organisers may face

The broadcast criticism highlights mounting pressure on hockey authorities to apply existing rules more consistently and to make use of post-game disciplinary procedures. Experts in the SVT studio urged that referees review such incidents during games when available and that tournament organisers consider retrospective discipline when the on-ice decision is perceived as insufficient. The incident is likely to prompt debate over enforcement and concussion-risk mitigation as the tournament progresses.

Next steps for Sweden

With Sweden eliminated from contention in the semifinal and questions raised over the handling of the hit on the substitute goalkeeper, attention will turn to tournament officials and governing bodies for any follow-up actions. Meanwhile, players and coaches must refocus on recovery and evaluation after a match that combined a lopsided scoreline with contentious officiating decisions.