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Canada’s National Women’s Team began with an impressive tour of the Volvo factory in Skövde, where engines are made for numerous Volvo vehicles. Most of the players and members of the staff took advantage of some free time to do some shopping and visit downtown Skövde. This Swedish town of some 50 000 citizens has a long history of being a trading than a shopping town. A tradition that dates back some 1000 years. Then it was back to business, with a spirited practice in the afternoon. After suffering a 2-0 loss on Thursday, it was clear that the players and staff had a renewed dedication to working hard in practice, looking to have an impressive performance against Finland on Saturday, to gain a spot in the gold medal final and a possible return engagement with the U.S. The host committee welcomed all four teams to an event banquet that evening. Guests were entertained by members of a local men’s choir and then took part in a brief opening ceremony. Seeing as the ceremony and banquet were being held at a golf club, the team leaders were asked to officially mark the moment by driving an illuminated golf club into the night. Team Canada was well represented by Director, Female Hockey Julie Healy, who drove her ball straight and far, impressing everyone in attendance. The 4 Nations Cup gets back in full swing with the final two round robin games on Saturday. Canada takes on Finland at 1pm (local time) and then undefeated USA faces Sweden at 5 pm (local time). |