Canada’s National Women’s Team defeated Russia for the 10th time at the IIHF Women’s World Championship with a 5-1 win Monday night, improving its preliminary-round record to 2-0-0-1.
Highlights:
- Natalie Spooner (Scarborough, Ont.) scored a hat trick, including her 50th national team goal, to lead the way for the Canadians.
- Rebecca Johnston (Sudbury, Ont.) and Blayre Turnbull (Stellarton, N.S.) had Canada’s other goals.
- Brianne Jenner (Oakville, Ont.) and Brigette Lacquette (Mallard, Man.) added a pair of assists each.
- Geneviève Lacasse (Kingston, Ont.) posted her first career win over Russia, making seven saves.
- Canada outshot Russia 45-8.
Quotes:
“They wanted me to be around the net, and for sure on the power play. I was just kind of finding my way, getting used to being there and I’m enjoying it – banging in rebounds and tipping in some pucks. I think defensively we always want to play defensive first and that creates a lot of our offence in creating turnovers. It was tough giving up the power-play goal because Lacasse hadn’t faced many shots before that, but we’re doing a good job turning pucks over and putting it back in their end.”
– Spooner on her hat trick and holding Russia to under 10 shots
“I just try and stay sharp by talking [to my teammates], even when the puck is in the offensive zone. I know they can’t hear me but I’m talking and making sure that when I get chances to play the puck that I’m playing it well and being sharp on every shot. I felt good and sharp, played the puck well which is always a good sign, but I just felt excited to get a game under my belt.”
– Lacasse on her performance
“They’re a good team, have worked hard and have some great young players. We know they’re going to be tough and one of the things helping both teams will be the building; it’s been a great building when the Finns have played and I’m looking forward to it, as are our players. I think if we play the right kind of game against them we’ll be in good shape, but you better play well against them otherwise you’re not going to beat them.”
– Team Canada head coach Perry Pearn (Stettler, Alta.) on facing Finland next