2004-05 National Women's Team

Canada 9 Finland 2

Pre-Competition Game
March 31, 2005
Norrkoping, SWE

NORRKOPING, SWEDEN – Team Canada played Team Finland in their only exhibition game on Thursday, March 31 in Norrkoping, Sweden. Finland jumped out to an early one goal lead as Karoliina Rantamaki fired a puck past Kim St-Pierre just 1:24 into the opening frame. Canada replied immediately with a goal of their own just 17 seconds later as Vicky Sunohara centered a beautiful pass right on to the stick of Cassie Campbell as she deflected one past Finnish goalie Noora Raty. Finland regained their one goal lead on the power play as Mari Sarrinen put home a rebound.

With Finland up 2-1 after the first, Canada came storming out of the gate, and picked up their intensity level from the first. Canada scored three unanswered goals in just over four minutes while out shooting Finland 20-9 in the period. Canada’s goals were scored by Vaillancourt, Wickenheiser, and Bechard in a dominating period by the Canadians.

Canada took a 4-2 lead into the third period, and matched their intensity from the second period. Jayna Hefford extended Canada’s lead to 5-2 on a nice wrist shot form the slot five minutes into the final period. Canada then rattled off three more goals by Bredin, Ouellette, and Goyette in a span of 50 seconds to give Canada an 8-2 lead. Vaillancourt finished off the scoring with her second of the net for Canada who scored eight unanswered goals. Canadian goalie Kim St-Pierre was not tested to heavily as she made 20 saves on 22 shots for the victory. Finnish netminder Noora Raty made 50 saves in the loss.

Canada will now take a few days off as they don’t play their first game of the tournament until Sunday, April 3 when the face Kazakhstan.