2001-02 National Women's Team

TSN CHALLENGE
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2001
HAMILTON, ON

Canada and the USA faced off in the final game of the three-game TSN Challenge series on Friday, in Hamilton, ON. Having suffered defeats in the first two games of the series, the Canadian side needed a win to tie the series and to force overtime. In the TSN Challenge format, the final game is worth four points.

USA opened the scoring after killing off a two-player advantage as Angela Ruggiero left the penalty box and beat Sami Jo Small from the slot at 5:50 of the opening period.
Canada ran into penalty problems themselves but held strong, killing off four straight penalties as the first period ended with USA leading 1-0.

After a scoreless second period, Canada mounted a series of chances late in the game but Sara DaCosta held strong as the U.S. held on to a 1-0 victory.

The TSN Challenge, a three game, total points series gives 2 points for a win, 1 point for a tie in games 1 and 2, and game 3 has 4 points for a win and 1 point for a tie. Overtime will only be played in game 3 if total points are tied.

Canada will be training in St-Jean-Richelieu, QC from December 3-15 before taking on Russia in a four-game series to be held in Newfoundland. Canada's complete schedule is posted on www.canadianhockey.ca

Players of the Game
CAN - Sami Jo Small
USA - Sarah DeCosta