‘It was sickening’: USA women’s hockey team lose star Decker in Olympic opener

• Defending champions beat Finland 5-2 in campaign opener
• Brianna Decker becomes trapped under opposing player

The mighty United States women's hockey team launched their first Olympic title defense in two decades with an air of menace on Thursday night, roaring to a 5-2 win in the opening game of pool play against a Finland team expected to contend for a medal.

But the Americans' hopes of becoming the first team to win back-to-back Olympic gold medals were dealt a devastating blow early on when assistant captain Brianna Decker suffered a leg injury that will sideline her for the duration of the tournament.