Canada Dominates Finland to Reach U18 Women’s World Semis
Canada showcased its dominance in the women’s under-18 world hockey championship by defeating Finland 12-0. This decisive victory secured Canada’s place in the semifinals on Thursday.
Key Performers in Canada’s Victory
Adrianna Milani was the standout player, scoring four goals. Several other players contributed significantly:
- Rachel Piggott: 2 goals, 1 assist
- Maddie McCullough: 2 goals
- Hayley McDonald: Contributed to the offensive effort
- Sofia Ismael: Scored and assisted
- Rosalie Tremblay: 2 assists
- Laurie Aubin: 3 assists
- Megan Mossey: 4 assists
Rowan Houweling provided a strong defensive performance with a shutout, making ten saves during the match.
Finland’s Goalkeeping Struggles
In goal for Finland, Saimi Pesola faced 11 shots, allowing four goals before being replaced. Eerika Kujala entered the game and made 48 saves, conceding eight goals in relief.
Coaching Strategies
Vicky Sunohara, head coach of Canada, emphasized the importance of a strong start this game. The team focused on offensive strategies to secure a lead early, aiming for a consistent performance throughout the tournament. “We want to play the way we feel we need to play to be successful in this tournament,” Sunohara stated.
Upcoming Semifinal Details
Looking ahead, Canada will face Czechia in the semifinals on Saturday, with a chance to reach the gold-medal final on Sunday. Milani expressed confidence in her team’s preparation, stating, “(Czechia) is a hard, aggressive team, and we will be ready to play against them.”
Canada aims for its second consecutive gold medal and fourth title in five years. As the competition intensifies, the team’s focus remains on maintaining its performance and strategy.
