CIS FALLS TO SWEDES IN SHOOTOUT TO FINISH DEV CAMP

JORDAN MADY

CALGARY, Alta. – Alanna Sharman (Winnipeg, Man./University of Manitoba, CWUAA) and Jaycee Magwood (Killarney, Man./University of Regina, CWUAA) helped the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) all-stars erase a pair of one-goal deficits, but it couldn’t find the winner in a 3-2 shootout loss to Sweden in the final game Saturday at Canada’s National Women’s Development Team selection camp.

The CIS stars dropped both of their games to the Swedes in extra-time, falling 2-1 in overtime Monday.

Sweden came out with the offensive jump, racking up 10 of the game’s first 13 shots, and took an early 1-0 lead when Erika Grahm stuffed a shot past CIS goaltender Stephanie Sluys (Clinton, Ont./University of Waterloo, OUA) at 8:53.

The university stars answered before the end of the opening period; after a few chances in tight, Sharman put home a loose puck to tie the game 1-1 through 20 minutes.

Erika Grahm restored the Swedish lead with a power play goal just 26 seconds into the second period, but penalty trouble cost the Scandinavians their one-goal cushion; Magwood redirected a Sam Strassburger (Schreiber, Ont./Nipissing University, OUA) shot through the legs of Sara Grahn on a CIS man advantage at 4:46 to tie the game 2-2 through two.

The teams traded chances in a scoreless third period, and overtime went without a goal despite a Swedish power play, sending the game to a shootout to be decided.

After both shooters missed in Round 1, Lisa Johansson went stick-side on CIS goaltender Valerie Lamenta (Montreal, Que./University of Guelph, OUA), who had replaced Sluys midway through the seconds period.

Kaitlin Willoughby (Prince Albert, Sask./University of Saskatchewan, CWUAA) was turned away by Grahn on the second CIS attempt, and Jessica Cormier (Cap-aux-Meules, Que./Université de Montréal, RSEQ) came up empty on the final opportunity for the all-stars, giving the Swedes the win.

Sweden held a narrow 29-28 advantage in shots on goal, although both teams had considerable stretches where they controlled play.

Canada’s National Women’s Development Team will be named Sunday morning, and members of the CIS all-stars are eligible for the final roster. The 22 players selected for Team Canada will open their their three-game series against the United States on Wednesday.