HARBIN, CHINA – There is more on the line in China than an IIHF World Women’s Championship this week.
This event will determine which six teams of the nine competing secure their berths for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, BC.
Heading into the 2008 IIHF World Women’s Championship, Canada was atop the IIHF’s world ranking with 1790 points, followed by Team USA at 1730 and Sweden at 1700.
Finland currently sits in fourth place (1650), with Switzerland in fifth (1545) and Germany in sixth (1545).
Six Olympic spots will be determined at the conclusion of this event, with the final two spots to be determined in competition in 2008-09.
The team that wins the 2008 IIHF World Women’s Championship will earn 1200 points, with 1160 for second, 1120 for third and 1100 for fourth (see complete list at www.iihf.com).
Canada’s National Women’s Team goes into the tournament having won nine of 10 world titles all-time.