2011-12 National Women's Team

WAKEFIELD SCORES WINNER FOR CANADIAN WOMEN'S HOCKEY TEAM IN 3-2 WIN OVER FINLAND

VIERUMÄKI, Finland – The Canadian women's hockey team fought back to beat host Finland 3-2 at the 12 Nations tournament Tuesday.

Trailing 2-1 after two periods, Meghan Agosta tied the game at 12:19 of the third before Jennifer Wakefield scored the winner with two minutes remaining at the Vierumäki Ice Rink.

Bobbi-Jo Slusar also scored for Canada, which is 4-1 in the tournament. Caroline Ouellette added three assists.

Michelle Karvinen scored a pair for Finland in the second period with Karoliina Rantamaki assisting on both goals.

The Canadians played their fourth game in as many days, including a 4-0 loss to the U.S. in Sunday's tournament game and a 4-3 shootout win over the Americans in an exhibition game Monday.

Canada brought only 10 forwards to the tournament, so they are seeing a lot of ice time.

“It was definitely factor in the game tonight,” Canadian head coach Dan Church. “We were fatigued for sure and we saw some of that in how we played, making some mistakes on simple plays we wouldn't normally make.

“But it's important for us to learn how to play tired and execute when we're tired. We were able to gut our way through the tough times and have our best period in the third period.”

Liz Knox made 16 saves for the win. She recovered from getting pulled early Monday versus the U.S.

“She played well in the first period and (had) an unlucky bounce on one that went off the defence's skate today,” Church said. “Overall a good, bounce-back game for her.”

Noora Raty made 33 saves in Finland's net.

“She gave them an opportunity (to win) tonight and they played well in front of her for two periods,” Church said. “I think they played a little bit tight in the third period when we came on.”

Canada concludes the tournament Wednesday versus Sweden.

“We want to test out players and see how they play in these five games in five days,” Church said. “I'm pretty sure, knowing the character in the room, they'll respond really well.”

He plans to start split the final game between goaltenders Geneviève Lacasse and Christina Kessler.

The U.S. (5-0) finishes the round-robin tournament Wednesday versus Finland.

The 12 Nations tournament is a new event in women's international hockey. The International Ice Hockey Federation wants to close the large skill gaps between countries by providing more competitions. It is hoped federations will put more money into the sport and that individual players will be more motivated to improve their skills and fitness.

Canada, the U.S., Sweden, Finland, Russia, Switzerland, Slovakia and Japan are among the pool of teams in Vierumäki, while France, Germany, Norway and the Czech Republic played a mini-tournament against each other in Courcheval, France.

Penalties:
08:23 CAN (Too Many Men)
10:59 FIN 26 Tiina Saarimaki (Hooking)
19:42 FIN 15 Minnamari Tuominen (Interference)

Penalties:
06:47 CAN 28 Vicki Bendus (Cross Checking)

Penalties:
01:40 FIN 23 Nina Tikkinen (Tripping)
06:45 FIN 6 Jenni Hiirikoski (Hooking)
09:07 CAN 16 Jayna Hefford (Hooking)