2013 IIHF Ice Hockey Women's World Championship

Germany 3 - Carleton University 0

Germany blanks Carleton University Ravens in emotional homecoming for Seiler

by Mark Staffieri

OTTAWA, Ont. – An emotional match for Sara Seiler saw her face off against her team, the Carleton University Ravens in their home rink on Sunday night. The contest began with a ceremonial face-off featuring Sue Scherer, the first captain of Canada’s National Women’s Team, which captured the gold medal at the inaugural IIHF Women’s World Championship in 1990.

But in the end, the game went to the Germans, who skated away with a 3-0 win at Carleton Ice House in Ottawa.

Early on, the Germans believed that they had captured the first lead of the game. In the Ravens zone, Seiler made a cross-ice pass that bounced off the skate of Ravens defender Kaylee Welk. While the puck found its way in the net, the goal was disallowed.

Manuela Anwander of Germany proceeded to record a few shots on Ravens starting goaltender Tamber Tisdale. While there was a lot of back and forth with clean skating, both clubs struggled to assemble an offense.

Germany’s Maritta Becker was called for hooking in the first penalty of the game. With the Ravens on a power play, they were unable to capitalize on the opportunity. Ivonne Schroder, the starting goaltender for Germany, was able to neutralize the power play.

Seiler weaved through Carleton traffic, but her shot was denied by the Ravens backstop. As the minutes wound down, the Germans peppered Tisdale with shots. Before the period would expire, the persistence would pay off, as the Germans would earn the lead. From her knees, Julia Zorn managed to put the puck past Tisdale for the 1-0 lead.

Heading into the second stanza, the Germans built on the momentum and added to the lead. With 18:15 remaining on the clock, Franziska Busch buried the puck past Tisdale, as the Germans pulled ahead by a 2-0 tally.

Near the midway point of the second, the Ravens would change their goalie, and Eri Kiribuchi stood between the pipes. The Germans followed suit a few minutes later, as Viona Harrer replaced Schroder.

For the remainder of the period, the Ravens struggled to assemble an offensive attack. Germany provided a stout defence which frustrated the Ravens throughout the contest. Kiribuchi managed to maintain the Ravens morale, as she made a pad save on Anwander to prevent the Germans from adding to their lead.

The beginning of the third period brought with it humour. With the Ravens on a power play early in the frame, Seiler and Ravens defender Erin Beaver collided. Seiler tripped and crashed into Kiribuchi. The two got up and exchanged smiles.

Although the Germans neutralized the Ravens first power play, it would not take long for the Ravens to go back on the power play. Maritta Becker was called for tripping. While the Ravens played valiantly, they were struggling to solve the German defence.

After both penalties were killed, the Germans came back on offense. Andrea Lanzl added to the German lead to the approval of the German fans in attendance. After the goal, Ravens alternate captain Victoria Gouge was called for a penalty and the Germans benefited from a power play.

Kiribuchi continued to be tested. Sophie Kratzer released a powerful shot from centre ice. The Germans would continue to press with Lanzl leading the offensive charge. While Kiribuchi managed to not allow another goal, the Ravens struggled with offense and were shut out in a 3-0 final.


THE MOMENT: Germany @ Carleton University Ravens – Sunday, March 31

by Mark Staffieri

OTTAWA Ont. – The excitement of Germany’s Sara Seiler playing her former team, the Carleton University Ravens, brought with it a tremendous energy The Carleton Ice House was full to capacity as German and Canadian hockey fans were eager to witness a once in a lifetime event.

Having made her second home in Ottawa, the 2013 IIHF Ice Hockey Women’s World Championship is an opportunity for Seiler to earn recognition as a great leader and spokeswoman for the women’s game. With women’s hockey legend Sue Scherer and the German ambassador to Canada participating in the opening ceremonies, there was a great feeling of pride as the women’s game was being celebrated.

As many of the players on the Ravens squad once called Seiler a teammate, competing against her embodied the spirit of sportsmanship. For Ravens captain Blaire MacDonald, the game was even more unique, as she had the opportunity to play against the one (Seiler) that she inherited the Ravens captaincy from.

Whenever Seiler touched the puck, there was electricity throughout the arena, as fans were hoping for some on-ice magic. Although the German squad prevailed by a 3-0 tally, no one lost today. Fans and players alike were part of a special moment in the career of Sara Seiler.

With the German squad having made their training camp at Carleton University, the game was an opportunity to give back to the fans and the university as a gesture of thanks. After Eri Kiribuchi and Juila Zorn were presented with Player of the Game awards, German team manager Peter Gemsjager presented Carleton University head coach Shelley Coolidge with a German jersey.

The gesture symbolized the great spirit that embodies the 2013 IIHF Ice Hockey Women’s World Championship.

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