Winter Olympics 2018: IOC allows U.S. women to wear Statue of Liberty on hockey masks (UPDATED)

Blake Birt

Winter Olympics 2018: IOC allows U.S. women to wear Statue of Liberty on hockey masks (UPDATED) image

UPDATE, 5:10 a.m. Feb. 13: The IOC ruled Tuesday that the Statue of Liberty artwork can stay on the goalies' masks, per USA Today.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

The U.S. women's hockey team opened its 2018 Winter Olympics campaign with a win over Finland, but now it faces a potential setback from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

USA Today reported Monday that the IOC informed USA Hockey that the Statue of Liberty decals worn by goalkeepers Nicole Hensley and Alex Rigsby may violate the committee's policy against political symbols.

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The IOC's lengthy "Guidelines regarding authorised identifications" state that "no Item may feature the wording or lyrics from national anthems, motivational words, public/political messaging or slogans related to national identity."

Neither Hensley nor Rigsby took part in the opening game of the tournament, but the IOC has reached out to USA Hockey and "discussions are ongoing," according to USA Hockey spokesman Dave Fischer.

The Americans are scheduled to play the Olympic Athletes from Russia at 7:10 a.m. ET Tuesday.

Blake Birt

Blake Birt is a digital content producer for DAZN News. He has worked in media communications the past five years, including as a social media manager, writer and editor. He is located in Sydney, Australia.