Quebec to Defend National Title Against Ontario in 2000 Esso Women's National Hockey Championship Final

SYDNEY, NS - Équipe Québec will defend it's 1999 National Championship, advancing to the Esso Women's World Hockey Championship game against Ontario's Beatrice Aeros with a 1-0 victory over Alberta's Oval X-Treme in Sydney, Nova Scotia.

Long-time National Women's Team member Nancy Drolet finally solved Alberta goaltender Lesley Reddon at 9:35 of the third period, with the only goal of the game. Alberta outshot Québec 23-15, but Player of the Game Kim St-Pierre was stellar, setting the stage for Drolet's third period heroics. Hayley Wickenheiser was named Player of the Game for Alberta.

Ontario's Beatrice Aeros overcame a strong performance by Saskatchewan goaltender Laura Paradis, to defeat Saskatchewan 3-0 in the other semi-final. Heather Logan, Gillian Ferrari and Sue Kaye scored for the Aeros who outshot Saskatchewan 32-10. Defender Geraldine Heaney, appearing in her 19th Esso Nationals, was named the Player of the Game for Ontario. Paradis claimed Player of the Game honors for Saskatchewan.

Saskatchewan will face Alberta's Oval X-treme in the Bronze medal game at 4 pm (Atlantic), 3 pm (ET) at the C200 Arena in Sydney. The Gold medal game, featuring Ontario's Beatrice Aeros and Équipe Québec, will follow at 8 pm (Atlantic Time), 7 p, (Eastern)

The Championship game will be broadcast live across Canada by The Sports Network and the Réseau des Sports.

For more information on the Esso Women's National Hockey Championship, including standings and complete game summaries, visit the CHA's official website at www.canadianhockey.ca.