When the world came to Winnipeg
It has been 10 years since the Manitoba capital hosted arguably the most successful IIHF Women’s World Championship ever
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April 6, 2017
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It was an event that lasted just eight days, but its impact on female hockey in Manitoba is still tangible today.
A decade ago, the cities of Winnipeg and Selkirk shared host duties for the 2007 IIHF World Women’s Championship. To this day, the tournament is still considered a benchmark for success in women’s hockey, both in Canada and internationally.
It smashed attendance records and created an awareness and legacy that sparked an unprecedented growth in the female game across Manitoba, particularly at the grassroots level.
“It was a team effort from all levels,” recalls Polly Craik, who served as chair of the host committee. “Players, volunteers, administrators, host committee members and the hockey branches all came together. It was really a Manitoba event.”
More than 600 volunteers signed up for the tournament, which rightfully became a celebration of the women’s game and a beacon for young females and their families to aspire.
And for Craik, already a successful businesswoman in Winnipeg, her responsibility became more than just facilitating an international hockey tournament. It was about a pioneering spirit that extended beyond the borders of Manitoba for girls in the game.
“I remember being in a Tim Hortons on Portage Avenue and running into a family from Alberta. They told me their daughter plays hockey and they just wanted to see women play live. They were thrilled the event was happening so close to home.
“For them, like many others, it was about the experience. And there’s many other stories out there like that.”
To quantify the impact the event left on the market is next to impossible, but it unarguably moved the sport to another level, especially with young females.
“It was a great event,” says Hockey Manitoba executive director Peter Woods. “There’s been a tremendous legacy left behind. It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years.”
In the years that followed, female hockey in Manitoba has exploded in growth, climbing from 3,685 at the time of the 2007 women’s worlds to 5,419 this year, an increase of 47 per cent.
The tournament drew a record 119,231 in total attendance, including a pair of sellouts at the MTS Centre; 15,003 fans saw the Canada-U.S. showdown in the preliminary round, and the all-North American rematch in the gold medal game.
Of course, it didn’t hurt that Canada went undefeated during the preliminary round, and parlayed that into a 5-1 victory over the Americans in the final to claim its ninth world title in 10 tries.
“The Winnipeg fans were unbelievable,” says Meghan Agosta, who made her women’s worlds debut in 2007. “The rink was electric. I remember skating on the ice and there were thousands of fans cheering for us. It was super special.”
Agosta, now a 30-year-old veteran, is the only member of that 2007 team to be competing at the 2017 IIHF Women’s World Championship.
“Winning the world championship in Canada is a great memory,” she says. “It was also my first worlds. As a young player in my career back then my role was to bring the energy. Obviously looking from then to now that role has changed. But it’s still pretty crazy to know how much time has passed.”
Understanding her job and the responsibility of the host committee to deliver a great event, Craik felt what truly made the 2007 women’s worlds in Winnipeg unique was the Canadian players themselves.
“They really helped in creating a momentum in the role they played,” says Craik. “They were very generous.”
Craik remembers Kate MacKenzie, a young girl from Winnipeg, becoming Team Canada’s ‘human mascot’ during the tournament.
Her first introduction to MacKenzie was when she played on Craik’s nine-year-old son’s team. Her skill was exceptional and she was easily identified by the ponytail draping down from the back of her helmet.
“She made a connection with Jennifer Botterill,” says Craik. “That was it for me. I thought ‘That’s why this event is so important. This girl needs to be given an opportunity to connect with other female hockey players.’ That team was there for her. It gave strength and a validation that this is a place to aspire to.”
Today, MacKenzie is on scholarship and playing college hockey with Quinnipiac University.
Not only did the 2007 women’s worlds reach out and positively touch those as fans and witnesses to the tournament, but it also affected some of the participants in the arena of play differently as well, like Viona Harrer.
The German goaltender turned aside 62 shots in an 8-0 loss to Canada, a performance rewarded with a standing ovation from the pro-Canadian crowd when she received her Player of the Game award.
Craik herself still gets choked up talking about the memory.
“Those are life-changing moments,” she says. “She was bawling on the ice. She had never had a crowd stand up and cheer her on like that.”
This spring might be the 10th anniversary of the 2007 IIHF World Women’s Championship, but eight days a decade ago might be more important today than they were even then.
Canada takes silver at 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship
Canadians drop 6-3 decision to United States in gold medal game
NR.031.23
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April 17, 2023
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BRAMPTON, Ont. – Canada’s National Women’s Team finished just short in its bid for a third-straight IIHF Women’s World Championship gold medal, falling 6-3 to the United States on Sunday night.
Canada took an early lead on a power-play goal from captain Marie-Philip Poulin (Beauceville, Que./PWHPA), but the Americans equalized before the end of the first period.
The cross-border rivals went back and forth in a fast-paced second period which ended with the Canadians in front 3-2 after 40 minutes thanks to a pair of goals four minutes apart from Brianne Jenner (Oakville, Ont./PWHPA). Renata Fast (Burlington, Ont./PWHPA) chipped in an assist on both Jenner goals.
The Americans tied the game early in the third period and took the lead for good with a pair of power-play markers in the final five minutes.
“Sometimes those games are difficult to process because everything is good, until it isn’t,” said head coach Troy Ryan (Spryfield, N.S.). “It just kind of took a turn with the two penalties and the U.S. capitalizing. All I said to the group after the game was I just wanted to spend time with them instead of having something big and magical to say. I’m proud of the group, they’ve been resilient through so many of things the last few years, and they deserve any of the good that comes to them. We put a lot of focus on being really good teammates; I think this group exudes that, and both players and staff will learn from what could have done better to not be in this situation.”
Following the tournament, Sarah Fillier (Georgetown, Ont./PWHPA) was named Most Valuable Player by media and Top Forward by the IIHF Directorate, and Ann-Renée Desbiens (Clermont, Que./PWHPA) was named Top Goaltender. Fast, Fillier and Poulin were named to the media all-star team.
A full game summary and recap can be found at HockeyCanada.ca.
“It’s hard to put into words right now,” said Poulin. “This one hurts, for sure, especially on home soil, but this group is very special; we’ll learn from it and move forward, but it’s a tough one to swallow.”
“I’m very proud; this is a really special group,” said Jenner. “I think there’s a bit of disbelief because in our dressing room we believed so much that we were going to find a way to win. It stings right now, but we will learn from it and we’ll be back.”
Canada was perfect through the preliminary round, finishing atop Group A with wins over Czechia, Japan, Switzerland and the United States, outscoring its opponents 18-4. Canada booked its spot in the gold medal game with a 3-2 overtime win over Sweden in the quarterfinals and a 5-1 semifinal victory over Switzerland.
In 22 appearances, Canada has captured 12 gold medals at the IIHF Women’s World Championship (1990, 1992, 1994, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2007, 2012, 2021, 2022), in addition to nine silver (2005, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2023) and one bronze (2019).
Prior to the gold medal game, the IIHF announced that the 2024 IIHF Women’s World Championship will be held Utica, New York, tentatively scheduled for April 4-14.
For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Women’s Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or following along through social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Women's Worlds Recap - Canada 5, Switzerland 1
A hat trick from Sarah Fillier and three assists from Natalie Spooner sent Canada to play for gold in Brampton.
April 15, 2023
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BRAMPTON, Ont. – Canada’s National Women’s Team booked its spot in the gold medal game at the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship following a 5-1 semifinal win over Switzerland on Saturday night at the CAA Centre.
- Sarah Fillier (Georgetown, Ont./Princeton University, ECAC) led the way for Canada with a hat trick, giving her a tournament-leading seven goals.
- Jamie Lee Rattray (Kanata, Ont./PWHPA) and Rebecca Johnston (Sudbury, Ont./PWHPA) also scored.
- Natalie Spooner (Scarborough, Ont./PWHPA) contributed three assists.
- Erin Ambrose (Keswick, Ont./PWHPA), Jaime Bourbonnais (Mississauga, Ont./PWHPA), Emma Maltais (Burlington, Ont./Ohio State University, WCHA), Sarah Nurse (Hamilton, Ont./PWHPA), Marie-Philip Poulin (Beauceville, Que./PWHPA) and Claire Thompson (Toronto, Ont./PWHPA) added an assist each.
- Ann-Renée Desbiens (Clermont, Que./PWHPA) stopped eight of nine shots.
- Canada outshot Switzerland 59-9.
Following the game, Poulin, Renata Fast (Burlington, Ont./PWHPA) and Blayre Turnbull (Stellarton, N.S./PWHPA) were named Canada’s top three players of the tournament.
Next Game:
Canada vs. United States (gold medal game) – Sunday, April 16, 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.
Quotes:
“I think we were pretty happy with our start. We knew eventually we were going to wear them down and something was going to go in. It was about sticking to our plan and not getting individual, and that’s what we did. Overall, we’re also super happy with how everyone played, everyone up and down the lineup got in, which was nice especially as we have back-to-back games and the opportunity to play for a gold medal.”
- Fillier on a total team effort
“I thought tonight we didn’t give them much offensively and I thought we as a team were better offensively. We attacked the net more, mixed it with both high offence and low offence and scored a power-play goal. We’re excited to be in the situation and have the opportunity to play for a gold medal, but we’re not looking ahead. We still have to break down tonight’s game and see what we can learn, but we still have little improvements to make as a group and hopefully between tonight and tomorrow we can do that.”
- Head coach Troy Ryan (Spryfield, N.S.) on his team peaking at the right time
“I think when you play really good goaltenders, it makes you a better goal scorer. It really does start from our group in the sense that with Ann-Renee, Emerance and Soupy (Kristen Campbell), those are some of the best goaltenders in the world. The fact that we can practice against them really enables us to be able to put what we practice into games, so when you can get 40 or 50 shots on goal a couple are going to end up in the back of the net.”
- Nurse on the team’s 113 shots on goal the last two games
For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Women’s Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow through social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Women's Worlds Recap - Canada 3, Sweden 2 (OT)
Sarah Nurse scored twice, including the overtime winner, to send Canada to the semifinals in Brampton.
April 13, 2023
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BRAMPTON, Ont. – Canada’s National Women’s Team is off to the semifinals at the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship after a thrilling 3-2 overtime win over Sweden in the quarterfinals Thursday night at the CAA Centre.
- Sarah Nurse (Hamilton, Ont./PWHPA) scored twice, including the overtime winner 4:26 into the extra period.
- Blayre Turnbull (Stellarton, N.S./PWHPA) had the other goal.
- Renata Fast (Burlington, Ont./PWHPA), Erin Ambrose (Keswick, Ont./PWHPA), Brianne Jenner (Oakville, Ont./PWHPA), Sarah Fillier (Georgetown, Ont./Princeton University, ECAC) and Jocelyne Larocque (Ste. Anne, Man./PWHPA) recorded an assist each.
- Emerance Maschmeyer (Bruderheim, Alta./PWHPA) stopped 12 of 14 shots.
- Canada outshot Sweden 54-14.
Next Game:
Canada vs. TBD (semifinal) – Saturday, April 15, 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT.
Quotes:
“The shift before, they wore down their players on the ice, so by the time Filly (Sarah Fillier) and I got on the ice I think they were pretty tired. When she came around the net all I thought about was that if this pass comes over to me, we’re crossing the mid-lane and we’re getting a shot off. I saw her hands kind of drop really quick and I decided to put it upstairs.”
“They play with full body contact over in Sweden so that’s something we were prepared for. That’s a team that wanted to win, and every time somebody plays against Team Canada they give us their best game and that’s what we talk about in the locker room that every team will play us hard. We would have loved to get it done in regulation, but things happen in games and we’re happy to get the win in overtime.”
- Nurse on her game-winning goal and facing a tough Swedish opponent
“We want to do a better job of early on in a game, doing the little things that make us difficult to play against instead of resorting to our offensive-zone play that we end up usually finishing games with. You don’t get those opportunities unless you set your game up with chipping some pucks by pressure or mid-lane driving and doing some below goal-line offence. We have to be better at doing the little things to set up our game so we can roll into our more wide-open offence later in the game. You have to earn that, you just don’t get it from your first shift.”
- Head coach Troy Ryan (Spryfield, N.S.) on better managing their game going into the semis
“I think we just tried to regroup. Everyone took one or two seconds to take a deep breath, look around and see how lucky we are to be surrounded by each other. We knew it wasn’t over; they have a great team and a great goalie but we needed to decide how we were going to respond in overtime. We kept them in their zone, we kept possession and that’s something we take pride in – to keep possession and make sure the next group is ready to go.”
- Poulin on the mood on the bench after Sweden tied the game with nine seconds remaining
For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Women’s Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow through social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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Women's Worlds Recap - Canada 4, United States 3 (SO)
Jamie Lee Rattray scored the shootout winner as Canada downed the U.S. 4-3 to finish a perfect prelims.
April 11, 2023
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BRAMPTON, Ont. – Canada’s National Women’s Team outlasted the United States 4-3 in a shootout on Monday night, closing out preliminary-round play atop the Group A standings with a perfect 4-0 record at the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship.
- Jamie Lee Rattray (Kanata, Ont./PWHPA) scored the game-winner in the ninth round of the shootout.
- Sarah Fillier (Georgetown, Ont./Princeton University, ECAC) scored her team-leading fourth goal of the tournament and added an assist.
- Laura Stacey (Kleinburg, Ont./PWHPA) and Marie-Philip Poulin (Beauceville, Que./PWHPA) also scored.
- Erin Ambrose (Keswick, Ont./PWHPA), Emily Clark (Saskatoon, Sask./PWHPA), Sarah Nurse (Hamilton, Ont./PWHPA), Claire Thompson (Toronto, Ont./PWHPA) and Micah Zandee-Hart (Saanichton, B.C./PWHPA) added an assist each.
- Ann-Renée Desbiens (Clermont, Que./PWHPA) stopped 26 of 29 shots on her 29th birthday.
- Canada outshot the U.S. 35-29.
Next Game:
Canada vs. TBD (quarterfinal) – Thursday, April 13, 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT.
Quotes:
“It’s something I often say to teams that I coach that if the scoreboard falls from the ceiling, we need to act like we expected it to happen. I think our group has a pretty good mindset of that, and I thought everybody (athletes and coaches) did a great job. Everyone fell into their roles and kept things calm on the bench so I could share it with the officials. Although it never happens in that order, you’re usually prepared for it so, you talk through it, communicate as much as you can and it had no impact on us.”
- Head coach Troy Ryan (Spryfield, N.S.) on the game continuing after a scoreboard malfunction and delayed game
“I’ve shot in a couple of shootouts in the past, but [Ryan] just turned to me and said ‘Are you ready, Ratty?’ and I said ‘Yeah, sure,’ and I think after that I just blacked out. What a cool feeling and I don’t even remember what I did after because I was so excited; I just screamed out loud because that’s all I could think of.”
“The most proud thing is we won as a team, everyone contributed and everyone made important plays in the game. We can leave it knowing we played a complete game. Obviously, we don’t want to give up two goals at the end, but we stayed calm and resilient and I think that’s something we can take away from this game.”
- Rattray on her shootout winner and the team’s performance
“As a goalie its always about stopping the next puck. Sometimes you have bounces that don’t go your way, but that’s out of your control. You just focus on stopping the next one and that’s what I tried to do today. The team helped with their scoring and Ratty with a big shootout winner in the end, I was happy she got it. It was an interesting ending, a good performance from both goalies but happy to finish first in Group A.”
- Desbiens on her 26-save performance
For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Women’s Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow through social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Women's Worlds Recap - Canada 5, Japan 0
Sarah Fillier led the way with two goals and an assist as Canada shut out Japan for its third straight win in Brampton.
April 8, 2023
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BRAMPTON, Ont. – Canada’s National Women’s Team made it three consecutive wins at the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship following a 5-0 shutout victory over Japan on Saturday night.
- Sarah Fillier (Georgetown, Ont./Princeton University, ECAC) led the way with a pair of goals and an assist.
- Sarah Nurse (Hamilton, Ont./PWHPA) recorded a goal and an assist.
- Brianne Jenner (Oakville, Ont./PWHPA) and Natalie Spooner (Scarborough, Ont./PWHPA) added Canada’s other goals.
- Erin Ambrose (Keswick, Ont./PWHPA) and Marie-Philip Poulin (Beauceville, Que./PWHPA) chipped in with a pair of assists each.
- Renata Fast (Burlington, Ont./PWHPA), Jamie Lee Rattray (Kanata, Ont./PWHPA), Danielle Serdachny (Edmonton, Alta./Colgate University, ECAC) and Blayre Turnbull (Stellarton, N.S.) recorded an assist each.
- Emily Clark (Saskatoon, Sask./PWHPA) played in her 100th international game with Canada’s National Women’s Team.
- Emerance Maschmeyer (Bruderheim, Alta./PWHPA) turned aside 11 shots for the shutout.
- Canada outshot Japan 60-11.
Next Game:
Canada vs. United States – Monday, April 10 (7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT)
Quotes:
“I think in the game today we had a bit of a mindset to get a better start than we have had and fall into the way we play instead of letting the game dictate the way we play. I think there were little spells where we got individualistic, but what stopped it was every time we got that way, we ended up turning the puck over and took a penalty as a result of it, and that was the thing we needed to snap us out of it.”
- Head coach Troy Ryan (Spryfield, N.S.) on his team breaking bad habits
“If you just know Nursey and Spoons as people, they’re incredibly humble and positive, so it’s easy to be their linemate. It’s really easy to play in that light and fun atmosphere. They’re incredibly skilled, and when they get me the puck I’m usually in a pretty good spot.”
- Fillier on her three-point night playing with Spooner and Nurse
“Any of these teams are very opportunistic and Japan is just that, so whenever they get their shot they are usually quality shots. I know that mentally I have to stay in it, so I do some visualization, move around a little bit and communicate with my defence. I also just try to play the puck and find ways to stay engaged because I know my next shot will probably be a tough one. - Maschmeyer on staying focused in games
For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Women’s Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow through social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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First to come, last to go
Canada’s National Women’s Team is in good hands thanks to the dedication and experience equipment manager Serge LeBlanc brings to the dressing room
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April 8, 2023
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They are essential to a hockey team, working long hours in the shadows, far from the spotlight. They aren’t household names. But no athlete who hits the ice with skates on their feet and a stick in their hands will tell you that their work is not appreciated. That their presence is not comforting.
Serge LeBlanc is one of those who makes sure players worry about nothing other than their performance on the ice. As an equipment manager, he is a master at setting up a dressing room. And the phrase " other related duties" certainly applies.
"I know, for example, during a game, that I will have to change blades because a player can be tougher with her blades than another,” he says. “I think my job is to provide a personalized service to each player."
A proud Acadian from Sainte-Marie-de-Kent, N.B., and a resident of the nearby village of Grande-Digue, LeBlanc has been involved with Team Canada for over 20 years. The Université de Moncton equipment manager has never hesitated to answer the Hockey Canada call, including twice at the Olympic Winter Games (2018 and 2022) with Canada’s Women's Olympic Team and twice at the IIHF World Junior Championship (2008 and 2011) with Canada’s National Junior Team.
LeBlanc spent 11 years (and almost 1,000 games) in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) with the Moncton Wildcats. Along the way, he has participated in various Hockey Canada and international events with both men's and women's teams.
Since 2017, he has spent most of his time in arenas, on buses and in airports across the country and around the world with Canada’s National Women’s Team. A natural bon vivant, he has his own way of contributing to the success of Team Canada.
"Serge is an extraordinary person," says goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens. "You know that no matter what time you arrive at the arena, he's going to be there. He's the first to come, last to go. He's always happy to see us and he always wants to go the extra mile to make sure our lives are as smooth as possible."
"When you see Serge, he puts a smile on your face," adds veteran forward Brianne Jenner. "He's sort of like that fun uncle that everyone has in their family. That's the way I think of Serge. He's just he's reliable but a great time and just he fits in so well with the girls. He's one of the girls."
A valued and respected mentor
LeBlanc is not the only one who takes good care of the players. Andrew Davis joined him on the equipment staff this season, and the two are teaming up again at the 2023 IIHF Women's World Championship in Brampton. Davis first met LeBlanc in December 2015, when Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team played an exhibition game at Concordia prior to 2016 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship.
"It was the first time that I met anyone from Hockey Canada," recalls Davis. "I was so impressed with how he worked."
Davis’ first official Hockey Canada appearance came at Canada’s National Women's Under-18 Team selection camp in August 2016. He was able to learn from LeBlanc, who was mentoring equipment managers ahead of a series against the United States.
"It was really the perfect experience to start with, because he was able to focus on showing us the Hockey Canada standard, which is the highest standard," notes Davis, a Hudson Heights, Que., native.
So how does LeBlanc go about mentoring the next generation of equipment managers?
"I try to show them what helps me to stay effective and to answer their questions," says the man known affectionately as Bayo in his home province. "It's not that I think I'm better than anyone else, that’s absolutely not it, but with my personality and the way I've acted, I've been able to learn a way to operate that makes me effective."
A trusted confidant
If you ask Davis what LeBlanc is like behind the scenes, a smile comes to his face.
"In any arena we went into [during the Rivalry Series], in Canada or the U.S., he wanted to know people’s stories. He likes to connect with people at the arena, the players and the staff. He's very approachable. He has won at almost every level. I almost never hear him talk about the wins, it's always about the people he's met along the way."
Desbiens agrees: "He knows everyone! I don’t think there’s anyone who doesn’t know Serge. He’s very warm-hearted, jovial and spontaneous."
LeBlanc's interpersonal skills serve everyone on the team, including head coach Troy Ryan, who frequently consults the dressing room veteran to help guide decisions.
"We did our first event together in 2006 [at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge]," says LeBlanc. We’ve known each other long enough that he trusts me to ask any question and I’ll be honest with him. He can, for example, ask me about the personality of the players as to whether they are a good fit within the team or not."
His golden moment
Throughout his extensive experience in game, both domestically and abroad, LeBlanc has made countless memories he will cherish. His favourite? He doesn’t hesitate.
"For sure, it's [winning an Olympic gold medal in] Beijing [with Canada’s Women’s Olympic Team],” he says. “I could have retired at that point, and I would have been happy with my career on the international stage. So, there's no doubt that seeing these girls for four years and having to deal with COVID and all that, the way they acted, trained and prepared, winning that was definitely the highlight of my career."
But there’s one more that deserves a mention.
"A personal highlight for me was reaching the 100-game mark with Team Canada in November 2021 in Finland,” LeBlanc says. “It was special to experience that, too."
Big shout out to 🇨🇦's National Women's Team Equipment Manager, @bayo291 on his 100th international game! #OurGameIsBack pic.twitter.com/aRqR9UVqt2
— Hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada) November 13, 2021
Special for him, but also for the players who got to be part of that special night in the lead up to Beijing 2022.
"It was a very special moment," remembers Desbiens. "He’s very appreciated in our locker room, someone that we like to have around the team. One hundred games with the Canadian team, it’s really impressive. I'm sure he has many more to go. Every time we invite him, he comes and he's always happy."
Women's Worlds Recap - Canada 5, Czechia 1
Two goals from Marie-Philip Poulin and four points from Blayre Turnbull led Canada to victory over Czechia
April 7, 2023
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BRAMPTON, Ont. – Canada’s National Women’s Team earned its second win in as many games with a 5-1 victory over Czechia at the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship Friday night at the CAA Centre.
- Marie-Philip Poulin (Beauceville, Que./PWHPA) scored her 100th international goal with Canada’s National Women’s Team to open the scoring 8:03 into the game. Poulin joins Danielle Goyette, Jayna Hefford and Hayley Wickenheiser in reaching the century mark. She added her second of the game in the third period.
- Blayre Turnbull (Stellarton, N.S./PWHPA) added a goal and three assists.Renata Fast (Burlington, Ont./PWHPA) and Laura Stacey (Kleinburg, Ont./PWHPA) scored Canada’s other goals.
- Brianne Jenner (Oakville, Ont./PWHPA) and Jocelyne Larocque (Ste. Anne, Man./PWHPA) chipped in with two helpers apiece.
- Emily Clark (Saskatoon, Sask./PWHPA) and Ella Shelton (Ingersoll, Ont./PWHPA) added an assist each.
- Natalie Spooner (Scarborough, Ont./PWHPA) played in her 150th international game with Canada’s National Women’s Team.
- Ann-Renée Desbiens (Clermont, Que.) turned aside 14 of 15 shots.
- Canada outshot Czechia 42-15.
Next Game:
Canada vs. Japan – Saturday, April 8 (7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT)
Quotes:
“Obviously she’s a special player who is a game changer. She knows how to break a game open with her skill, her physicality and her passion, and [she is] a great leader. She’s the ultimate leader; the person she is, the character she brings, the player she is and the skill. Everything you want in a leader, she has it.”
- Head coach Troy Ryan (Spryfield, N.S.) on the talent of Poulin
“Being included among those women (Goyette, Hefford, Wickenheiser) is special, but tonight when I hit that milestone, coming back to the bench and seeing the smile on my teammates and seeing how happy they are for me personally is something that will stick with me. It is very special and doing on home soil is very special, but we also have a goal; we’re not done and we have a lot of work still to do here.”
- Poulin on her 100th international goal
“I think the first two periods really wasn’t our game or our style. We were on our heels a bit, but Czechia played great; they were fast and played us aggressive. At intermission between the second and third period we talked about focussing on our style not only on the ice but on the bench. We got quiet in the second when things weren’t going our way, so our focus in the third was to celebrate the little things and get back to the smiley, happy Team Canada that we are. Czechia plays with a lot of confidence, which is impressive considering they are fairly new to this pool. I like the way they play; any team we play wants to beat us and they didn’t stop that, and I think it was fun to play a team that was hungry like them.”
- Turnbull on facing a determined and physical Czech team
For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Women’s Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow through social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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Women's Worlds Recap - Canada 4, Switzerland 0
Natalie Spooner, Sarah Nurse and Sarah Fillier had a goal and an assist each to help Canada blank the Swiss.
April 6, 2023
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BRAMPTON, Ont. – Canada’s National Women’s Team opened up the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship with a 4-0 shutout win over Switzerland on Tuesday night at the CAA Centre.
- Natalie Spooner (Scarborough, Ont./PWHPA) made an immediate impact in her return four months after giving birth to her first child, scoring Canada’s first goal and adding an assist.
- Sarah Fillier (Georgetown, Ont./PWHPA) and Sarah Nurse (Hamilton, Ont./PWHPA) also chipped in with a goal and an assist each.
- Rebecca Johnston (Sudbury, Ont./PWHPA) scored Canada’s other goal.
- Erin Ambrose (Keswick, Ont./PWHPA) and Jamie Lee Rattray (Kanata, Ont./PWHPA) recorded an assist each.
- Brianne Jenner (Oakville, Ont./PWHPA) played in her 150th international game with Canada’s National Women’s Team.
- Ann-Renée Desbiens (Clermont, Que.) made 12 saves for the shutout.
- Canada outshot Switzerland 53-12.
Next Game:
Canada vs. Czechia – Friday, April 7 (7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT)
Quotes:
“I feel pretty good, obviously I haven’t had that many games, I’ve only had six before this, so not that many. I’m just trying to get better every game as we go through the tournament.”
“It’s been pretty amazing how supportive my teammates and Hockey Canada have been. It’s a lot for me to juggle, but Rory has got so many aunties around who hold him at meals and make sure he’s happy and my mom is here helping, so it’s been great so far.”
- Spooner on her return to Canada’s National Women’s Team
“Playing with Spooner and Johnny for a while and seeing them work their way back and work so hard to be where they are right now is inspiring for all of us. I think if you looked at the bench when both of them scored, it pretty much erupted. For Dachs (Danielle Serdachny), too, we’ve all been there, we’ve all had our first worlds, so we’re excited to have her in the lineup. We’re cheering her on, supporting her so she can be the best that she can be.”
- Micah Zandee-Hart (Saanichton, B.C./PWHPA) on celebrating her teammates’ successes
“Every time we play Switzerland, they are always very physical and they have a lot of skill up front. For us as a group, we did a great job of getting better every period. Obviously we had to get that first period under our belt, but after that everything started to flow a little bit better and I was really proud of how the group played today.”
- Ambrose on facing the Swiss
For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Women’s Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow through social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Women’s Worlds Recap – Canada 3, Finland 1
Jenner recorded a goal and an assist as Canada edged past Finland in pre-tournament action
April 2, 2023
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NIAGARA FALLS, Ont. – Canada’s National Women’s Team defeated Finland 3-1 at the Gale Centre in its lone pre-tournament game Saturday ahead of the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship.
- Brianne Jenner (Oakville, Ont./PWHPA) broke a scoreless tie midway through the second period and also added an assist.
- Emily Clark (Saskatoon, Sask./PWHPA) and Marie-Philip Poulin (Beauceville, Que./PWHPA) also scored.
- Renata Fast (Burlington, Ont./PWHPA) chipped in a pair of assists.
- Jamie Lee Rattray (Kanata, Ont./PWHPA) and Laura Stacey (Burlington, Ont./PWHPA) added an assist each.
- Ann-Renée Desbiens (Clermont, Que./PWHPA) and Emerance Maschmeyer (Bruderheim, Alta./PWHPA) split goaltending duties; Desbiens turned aside all seven shots she faced, while Maschmeyer stopped 11 of 12.
- Canada outshot Finland 23-19.
Quotes:
“The game didn’t go necessarily how we would want it to go, but when we look back on it now, there is a lot of good things that happened. A big part of some of our frustrations was the good things Finland did. They were clogging up the middle and they didn’t sit back; they were aggressive and moved the puck well. We tried to force too many things and our passing was off, but as we started to spread things out in the offensive zone we started to look like ourselves.”
- Head coach Troy Ryan (Spryfield, N.S.) on overcoming a slow start
“It was a good exhibition game for us in the way Finland came out strong and played us physically. It was a style of game we haven’t seen the past few years and it forced us to keep grinding and putting pucks on net. We had to stick with it for the full 60 minutes and we got better as the game went on.”
- Desbiens on facing a tough Finland team
“I think we do a great job of not hanging our heads [when getting scored upon]. There are going to be some bad shifts we are going to play in this tournament. Obviously, we don’t have the intention of doing that, but we are good at just letting it go and not beating ourselves up over it. We learn from it, but it doesn’t affect the confidence and we just go back at it.”
- Jenner on Canada’s quick scoring responses against their opponents
For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Women’s Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow through social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
NWT: This or That with Jocelyne Larocque
Canada's National Women's Team defenceman Jocelyne Larocque plays This or That.
Pre-tournament Schedule Announced for 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship
Seven games to be played across six southern Ontario communities
NR.017.23
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March 14, 2023
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BRAMPTON, Ont. – With less than one month until the puck drops on the 2023 IIHF Women's World Championship, Hockey Canada and the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association (OWHA) have unveiled the pre-tournament schedule and training camp locations for competing teams ahead of puck drop on April 5. Six communities across southern Ontario will play host to seven pre-tournament games featuring all 10 competing federations from March 29–April 2. “The pre-tournament games provide a great opportunity to share our love of hockey and Canadian hospitality by welcoming these exceptional athletes to Ontario,” said Fran Rider, president and chief executive officer of the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association. “Games will be exciting, provide inspiration to young girls and others in the various communities and will support the growth and development of the game at local levels.” Women’s Worlds Pre-Tournament Schedule March 29 | France vs. University of Toronto | Varsity Arena | Toronto March 31 | Germany vs. Switzerland | Sadlon Arena | Barrie March 31 | Japan vs. Hungary | Canlan Sports | North York April 1 | Canada vs. Finland | Gale Centre | Niagara Falls April 2 | Sweden vs. Switzerland | Aurora Community Centre | Aurora April 2 | France vs. Japan | Port Credit Memorial Arena | Mississauga April 2 | Germany vs. Hungary | Canlan Sports | North York Canada’s National Women’s Team will hold its pre-tournament camp at the Gale Centre in Niagara Falls, which will also play host to Finland. Aurora will host Sweden at the Aurora Community Centre, while Switzerland and Germany will practice in Barrie at the Peggy Hill Team Community Centre and Sadlon Arena, respectively. Japan and France will hold their camps at the Paramount Fine Foods Centre in Mississauga, while Hungary will practice at Canlan Sports in North York and Czechia will station at the Iroquois Park Sports Centre in Whitby. Hockey Canada and the OWHA would like to recognize and thank the Province of Ontario for providing $500,000 in funding support for the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship. Throughout Ontario, legacy initiatives will be established following the tournament that will benefit grassroots hockey for years to come. “The Ontario government is proud to support the 2023 IIHF World Women’s Championship – a premier event that draws visitors to our province, stimulates economic activity in local communities and showcases Ontario as one of the best places to train, compete and excel in sport,” said Neil Lumsden, minister of tourism, culture and sport. “Congratulations to the world-class athletes whose skill and determination inspires everyone who shares a love of the game. I would like to thank Hockey Canada, the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association, the IIHF and the City of Brampton — as well as the organizing committee, coaches, officials and volunteers — for their ongoing efforts to make this event a success.” Recent editions of the IIHF Women’s World Championship hosted in Canada have brought significant economic impact to the host provinces. British Columbia (2016) benefited from $7.4 million in economic impact throughout the province, with $6.2 million being generated in Kamloops alone. Ontario (2013) was even more successful, bringing in $14.3 million to the province, of which $8.8 million occurred in Ottawa. As with all IIHF events hosted in Canada, a legacy plan for the profits of the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship will support grassroots women’s hockey initiatives across Ontario through the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association and throughout Canada. Fans interested in attending pre-tournament games can purchase tickets through local venues. Tickets to select IIHF Women’s World Championship games can be purchased at HockeyCanada.ca/Tickets. Canada’s pre-tournament game against Finland on April 1 will be livestreamed at HockeyCanada.ca. TSN and RDS, the official broadcast partners of Hockey Canada, will broadcast all 31 tournament games from the CAA Centre in Brampton, providing extensive coverage throughout the event. For more information on Hockey Canada and the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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