(Brampton) Alex Carpenter scored two goals and an assist as the United States beat Japan 7-1 on Wednesday on the first day of competition at the World Women’s Hockey Championship in Brampton, Ont.

Hilary Knight scored a goal and two assists for the United States in her first game as captain. Megan Keller, Hannah Bilka, Taylor Heise and Abbey Murphy scored the other goals and Aerin Frankel made 12 saves.

Haruka Toko scored the first goal of the game for Japan. Miyuu Masuhara stopped 32 of 36 shots aimed at her, before the team switched goaltenders and youngster Riko Kawaguchi blocked 20 of 23 shots.

Toko took advantage of a pass from Remi Koyama to give Japan their first lead against the United States at the Women’s Hockey World Championship.

Earlier Wednesday, Jenniina Nylund scored a hat trick as Finland beat France 14-1.

In this Group B game at the CAA Centre, the Finns quickly showed their intentions and led 6-0 after the first period.

After the Finns’ eighth goal on their 18th shot, France replaced goalkeeper Margaux Mameri with reserve Caroline Lambert. The latter allowed six goals on 35 shots.

Petra Nieminen, Emilia Vesa and Viivi Vainikka all scored braces for Finland.

Estelle Duvin scored France’s only goal against Sanni Ahola, who only faced 12 goals.

Later Wednesday, the United States took on Japan while Canada will face Switzerland in the evening.