ÖSTERSUND, Sweden – Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team advanced to the gold medal game at the 2023 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship after a 3-2 overtime victory over Finland in the semifinals on Saturday.
- Alex Law (Whitby, Ont./Durham West, OWHA U22 Elite) scored the game-winner 7:32 into overtime after tying the game with 7:22 left in the third period.
- Emmalee Pais (London, Ont./London, OWHA U22 Elite) had a pair of assists.
- Abby Stonehouse (Blenheim, Ont./London, OWHA U22 Elite) opened the scoring in the first period.
- Hannah Clark (Oshawa, Ont./Etobicoke, OWHA U22 Elite) made 24 saves.
- Canada outshot Finland 41-26.
Next Game:
Canada vs. Sweden (gold medal game) – Sunday, January 15 (2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT)
TSN and RDS, the official broadcast partners of Hockey Canada, will broadcast the bronze and gold medal games from Östersund Arena; please check local listings for details.
Quotes:
“I think we came out a little flat. The Finns came out flying, had a great forecheck going that really took away our speed. It took us a while to settle in and get our feet under us, but we found a way to win. This is such an amazing experience with your family watching back home, it is so exciting. Heading into the gold medal game, I think it is an incredible experience; it is going to be packed playing against Sweden. It is something our players will remember for the rest of their lives.”
- Head coach Courtney Birchard-Kessel (Mississauga, Ont./Princeton University, ECAC) on the experience in Östersund
“As a team it was not a perfect performance, but through the 60-plus minutes we had perfect effort at least. We gave it our all, worked as a team, moved the puck and it ended up working out in our favour. We have put so much work into this, [playing for gold] is something we have all dreamed about. We need to move the puck quickly, skate hard and have positive energy on the bench and I think we can take home gold.”
- Law on finding a way to win
“We knew they were going to come out strong, so we were prepared. We stuck to our habits and got it done. I am honoured [for the chance to play for a gold medal]; it is something I have been dreaming of since I was little. We are all leaning on each other; everyone has each other’s back. I do not know if I am going to be able to sleep tonight, it is going to be so much fun tomorrow. I am excited.”
- Keira Hurry (London, Ont./London, OWHA U22 Elite) on playing for a gold medal
For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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