Winnipeg (MB) - No April Fools. Team Canada has arrived in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The players and staff arrived by bus late Saturday night, after defeating Finland in Selkirk, Manitoba, a city approximately 30 minutes north of Winnipeg.

April 1st was a busy one even though the team did not practice. All the players took part in a brief on-stage ceremony, as well as in a 90-minute autograph session at FanFest, which was taking place at the Winnipeg Convention Centre. The players had to leave quickly, because you can’t keep the Premier of Manitoba waiting.

A short reception followed at the Manitoba Legislature where Manitoba Premier Gary Doer welcomed the team. The Premier also hosted Host Committee Chair Polly Craik, and some 150 minor hockey players and their families.

The team gets back to work on Monday, with a morning practices. Only two practices remain before the 2007 IIHF World Women’s Championship gets underway.