2005-06 National Women's Team

Canada 3 - Sweden 1

Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Hameenlinna, FIN

HAMEENLINNA, FINLAND – Team Canada opened up the 2005 Four Nations Cup with a game versus Sweden on Wednesday. Sweden opened the scoring with a power play goal on a screened point shot that beat Canadian net minder Charline Labonte high on the glove side for the only goal of the period. Canada did not have its usual scoring chances as Sweden was able to play a tight checking defensive game in the first period.

Canada carried the play in the second, and scored the only goal of the period. Jennifer Botterill made a nice pass to Jayna Hefford on a 2 on 1, but Swedish goalie Kim Martin made the initial save. It was only after a few wacks at the puck that Botterill was able to sneak it past Martin in a goal mouth scramble. With the score all tied at one a piece, the game looked very similar to the 2004 Four Nations Cup game between these same two teams were Canada squeezed out a 2-1 win over Sweden.

The third period was a historic one, as Hayley Wickenheiser scored her 99th and 100th international career goals. Canada took a 3-1 lead mid way through the final period and was able to seal the victory. Labonte made some key saves in net for Canada and Kim Martin was stellar at the other end of the ice as she made 27 saves on 30 shots.

Hayley Wickenheiser, with a two goal performance – including the game winner, was named player of the game for Canada. She is the first Canadian female player to register 100 career international goals.

Canada will now face the USA on Thursday in their second of three round robin games.