SHERWOOD PARK, AB – The 2004 Esso Women’s National Hockey Championship wrapped up with a thrilling championship final game that needed overtime to determine a winner, as Team Ontario defeated Team Alberta 2-1 in front of a capacity crowd of 1,800 fans at Sherwood Park Arena to capture the Abby Hoffman Cup.

Geraldine Heaney scored the winning goal for Team Ontario at 3:39 of the first overtime period, to finish off a spectacular rush.

The Team Ontario Player-of-the-game honours went to Annie Desrosiers, while Hayley Wickenheiser took the honours for the Team Alberta.

With the victory, Ontario picks up its 20th medal in the 23-year existence of the championship (eight gold, seven silver and eight bronze). Alberta’s silver medal is their 9th, for a total of 21 (seven gold, nine silver and five bronze).

Earlier today, the host team, the Edmonton Chimos, captured the bronze medal with an exciting 4-3 win over Team Quebec. Karrah Stephen scored the winning goal for the Chimos at 15:20 of the final period. The Chimos’ Player-of-the-game honours went to Danielle Walz, while Chantal Lampron took the honours for Team Quebec.