2005-06 National Women's Team

Canada 3 - Sweden 1

Torino Ice Tournament
Monday, November 7, 2005
Torino, ITA

TEAM CANADA WINS OPENING GAME IN TORINO ICE TOURNAMENT

TORINO, ITALY – Team Canada played Sweden for the third time in five days; however the first two were exhibition games. The two teams had faced each other over 120 minutes of hockey, but Sweden had not yet scored a goal on Canada. But that changed tonight, as Sweden got on the board first with a goal by Sjolander who beat Labonte glove side with seven minutes remaining in the opening period. Canada responded 58 seconds later when Caroline Ouellette unloaded from the point on a delayed penalty that found the net and bounced in off the cross bar to even things at 1-1.

Canada took a 2-1 lead in the second period when forward Vicky Sunohara converted on a goal mouth scramble beating Kim Martin after numerous opportunities. Despite a late 5-on-3 advantage for Canada, Sweden held its ground and trailed by only one heading into the third period.

Charline Labonte made a few key saves including shutting the door on two Swedish breakaway’s to preserve Canada’s lead. Gina Kingsbury batted home a rebound off a Gillian Apps shot to put the red and white up 3-1 at the half way mark of the third. Although Sweden was badly out shot 57-14, the game was very close throughout, and goalie Kim Martin made 54 saves to keep things tight.

Canada will play the early game tomorrow at 2pm against team Finland who lost a close 1-0 game to the USA on the opening day of the tournament.