2005-06 National Women's Team

Canada 2 - USA 1

Sunday, September 04, 2005
Hameenlinna, FIN

HAMEENLINNA, FINLAND – Team Canada faced the USA for the forth consecutive time in the final of the Four Nations Cup. The two teams met in round robin play on Thursday with Canada coming out on top 4-0.

Canada opened the scoring on a shot from the slot by defenceman Carla MacLeod after forward Gillian Apps worked hard to beat USA defender Angela Ruggiero to the outside before dumping the puck on net, which ended up in the high slot for MacLeod to riffle home. 

It only took the USA three minutes to respond as Katie King forced a turnover behind the Canadian net and walked out all alone beating Canadian goalie Sami Jo Small. Despite the USA out shooting Canada 16-10 in the first, the teams finished the period tied at 1-1.

The second period was fairly uneventful after Canada killed off a 5-on-3 advantage at the beginning of the period. At 11:11 of the second period, USA replaced starter Chanda Gunn with rookie Shari Vogt, who came off the bench and made 9 saves.

With the past two Four Nations championships decided by 2-1 scores, this one would be no different. In fact, it was Dana Antal who scored the winner, just as she did in a 2-1 win in last years Four Nations Cup. The goal was a bit controversial as it was thought to have been knocked down with a high stick. Dana banged home the winner in a goal mouth scramble at 11:39 of the third period.

Caroline Ouellete was named as the player of the game for Canada while Sarah Parsons had the honours for the USA. Sami Jo Small made 40 saves for the victory in net for Canada, and Shari Vogt and Chanda Gunn made 14 and 17 saves in net for the USA.

Canada will travel back on Monday with players going to their respective homes.