2004 IIHF Women's World Championship

Finland and Sweden: Battle for Bronze
By Krista Nymark
 
Although the two neighbouring countries are friendly off the ice, it will be all business tonight when Finland and Sweden face off against one another in what has presented itself as a bronze medal rivalry.
 
The two teams have battled for the bronze twice in the past three tournaments. In 2002 the Finns lost to Sweden in the bronze medal match after defeating them for the hardware in 2000.
 
Bonze medal history, combined with a heated meeting earlier in this year's tournament, are sure to make for a nail-biter. The two teams battled to a 2-2 tie last Thursday evening in front of fans at the Dartmouth Sportsplex. 
 
Each team had several impressive scoring chances and the goaltenders put on a show, making save after save. Sweden's Kim Martin and Finland's Heidi Wiik each made 30 saves in that game, while the shots were even at 32 a piece. 
 
Although it's effects have yet to be felt, Sweden's players are relatively young and inexperienced in international competition compared to the more mature Finnish team. This could work to their advantage or disadvantage.  
 
Elin Holmlov and Maria Rooth lead the Swedes in scoring, while Katija Riipi and Terhi Mertanen are tops on the Finnish squad. 
 
Goaltending will again be front and centre in this game, as it was in the team's previous meetings.  Although Martin's goals against average is more than two points higher than Wiik's GAA, the two net minders measured up evenly in their last meeting and will be looking for personal satisfaction and bragging rights.