HÄMEENLINNA, Finland – After posting three pre-tournament victories, Canada’s National Women’s Team is ready for the start of the 2009 IIHF World Women’s Championship.

Canada has been in Finland since March 25 and earned two wins against Finnish Midget AAA boys teams and a victory against Finland’s National Women’s Team. On April 4, Canada will begin its search of gold with a preliminary-round game against China.

Canada, China and Sweden are grouped together in Pool B, with Japan, Russia and the United States in Pool A and Finland, Kazakhstan and Switzerland making up Pool C. The tournament begins with two preliminary-round games for each team. Upon completion of that round, the three first-place teams will move into Group 1, with all three teams having a shot at the gold medal.

Canada will face Sweden on April 6 in the final preliminary-round game for both teams.

“We’re thrilled with how our training camp went in Finland,” says Melody Davidson, Canada’s head coach. “Arriving early has allowed us to follow a strong balance of work and rest. We’re now looking forward to the tournament beginning with our first game against China.”

TSN/RDS, Hockey Canada’s official broadcasters, will televise games from the 2009 IIHF World Women’s Championship on April 8, 10 and 12. Check www.hockeycanada.ca for specific game times.

Canada is attempting to re-claim gold at the IIHF World Women’s Championship, one year after losing the final 4-3 to the United States. In 11 IIHF World Women’s Championships since 1990, Canada has won nine gold and two silver medals.

Chris Jurewicz, Hockey Canada’s coordinator of media relations, is on site with Team Canada in Finland. For interview requests, please e-mail Chris at [email protected].