ANTHAMATTEN SHINES DESPITE LOSS AS SWEDEN TOPS SWITZERLAND 4-1

by Heather McIntyre

A three-goal first period put the game out of reach early as Sweden scored a 4-1 win over Switzerland in the opening game for both at the 2008 IIHF World Women’s Under-18 Championship on Monday.

First period goals by Cecilia Ostberg, Angelica Ostlund and Erika Grahm were followed by a stronger second period from the Swiss, which was helped by a Swedish parade to the penalty box.

The Swedish penalty kill was air tight, though, not allowing the Swiss to crack the goose egg and even tallying a shorthanded marker when Tina Enstrom scored on a breakaway less than five minutes into the period.

But Swiss goaltender Sophie Anthamatten shut the door the rest of the way, making many stellar saves as Sweden out shot Switzerland 39-15.

“She is one of the best goalies in this tournament,” said Swiss head coach Jorg Toggwiler following the game. “She stood on her head for us.”

Anthamatten continued her strong play in the third period, allowing her team to get within three goals when Sara Benz chipped the puck past Swedish goaltender Valentina Lizana at the 8:46 mark, sending the Swiss players into a frenzy.

Benz and Lizana received Player of the Game honours for their respective teams.

The Swedes will look to continue their winning ways against Russia on Tuesday, with that game set to kick off at 4:00 p.m. MT at Norma Bush Arena, while Switzerland will look to put a tally in the win column against the USA when the two nations face-off at Father David Bauer Arena at 4:15 p.m. MT.