2006-07 National Women's Team

Finland 3 - Sweden 8

4 Nations Cup
Round Robin
Tuesday, November 7, 2006
1:30 pm ET
Memorial Auditorium Complex
Kitchener, ON

SWEDEN OPENS WITH 8-3 WIN OVER FINLAND AT THE 4 NATIONS CUP

Boxscore

Kitchener, ON - The opening game at the 2006 4 Nations Cup drew an enthusiastic crowd of local students for a match-up of rivals Sweden and Finland. The crowd on hand didn’t leave disappointed as they were treated to a total of eleven goals, including eight goals in the second period. Sweden, 2006 Olympic silver medalist, served notice that its Turin performance was no fluke, with an 8-3 win over Finland.

Sweden’s six goals in the second frame, scored by six different players, erased a 1-0 first period lead for Finland and gave Sweden a 6-3 lead through forty minutes of play. Elma Holmlov, Nanna Jansson, Maria Rooth, Pernilla Winberg, Erika Holst and Helena Tagesson all registered markers for Sweden in the second period. Holmlov and Winberg added second goals in the third period to make the final 8-3.

Heidi Pelttari, with two, and Saara Tuominen replied for Finland.

Under the new international system, Sweden takes three important points with the win in regulation. Sweden faces Canada on Wednesday night (TSN/RDS at 7:30 pm ET), while Finland meets the USA on Wednesday afternoon (4:00 pm ET).

Game Preview

Both teams have arrived at the 2006 4 Nations Cup with young rosters, as they look forward to the years leading up to the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. Sweden includes two 17 year olds, two 18 year olds and four 19 year olds, while Finland includes a 16 year old, two 17 year olds and five 19 year olds. As far as Olympic experience is considered, Sweden has a considerable advantage with 15 silver medal winners at the 4 Nations Cup. Finland, meanwhile, boasts only ten Olympians.

The fans in attendance can count on a very competitive game on Tuesday afternoon in Kitchener. Both teams will be looking to make an early statement in this event and serve notice to Canada and the U.S. that a medal may not be the guarantee of past years.