USA Masters Conclude First Leg of 2026 WMH World Cup with Mixed Fortunes
The opening leg of the 2026 World Masters Hockey (WMH) Masters World Cup wrapped up in the Netherlands, delivering a blend of triumphs and setbacks for the United States across its nine participating squads.
The women’s over‑35 side secured a respectable seventh‑place finish after edging Scotland 3‑2 in a tightly contested match. Amy Kropinger opened the scoring with a breakaway goal in the second quarter, while Kristie Blumer added a first‑half strike to put the Americans ahead 2‑0. Scotland pulled a goal back early in the final quarter, but the U.S. held on despite playing shorthanded for much of the period.
In the shoot‑out for the women’s over‑40 division, Katie Grant and Marisa Frank converted their chances, allowing the team to edge Spain 2‑1 after a 0‑0 draw. The result lifted the squad to seventh place in that bracket.
Men’s Over‑40 Team Advances with Convincing Win
The men’s over‑40 side finished 13th after a 3‑0 victory over Wales, completing a 4‑2 win‑loss record for the tournament. Ian Stuart opened the scoring just before the first quarter ended, and Marcello Tronci extended the lead with a drag‑flick in the 41st minute. Stuart added a second goal in the 44th minute, a strike later voted the tournament’s best goal.
Goalie Trevor Shattuck was recognized as the event’s Most Valuable Player for his performances between the posts.
Other U.S. Results and Upcoming Action
The women’s over‑45 team fell 3‑2 to Spain despite goals from Julie Murphy and Jen Judy, while the over‑50 side drew 1‑1 with South Africa, Georgina Serenelli equalising from a penalty stroke.
The men’s over‑50 squad secured 17th place after beating Malaysia 2‑1, with TJ Bamrah and Anuj Mubayi on the scoresheet.
Looking ahead, the second leg of the World Cup will move to Brasschaat in Belgium and Breda in the Netherlands, kicking off on August 7. The tournament’s final stages promise more high‑stakes hockey as nine U.S. teams continue to compete across the country.