International
Winter Universiade Day 1: Medals highlights the start of first day of full competition
It was a winning day to begin the team competition for both Canadian curling teams at the 29th Winter Universiade. In addition, the women’shockey team kept their perfect record with another shutout performance in the second game of this Universiade.
Women’s Hockey
After a 10-0 win over China to begin the competition and then a day off, the Canadian women’s hockey team went back to work with a hard fought 4-0 win over Japan on Sunday afternoon. Japan suffered their first loss after beating USA in the first game of the Universiade. Jessica Vance (Saskatchewan; Prince Albert, Sask.) saw her first action in the pipes and produced a 25-save shutout performance while making several saves to stop any momentum for Japan. Defender Leah Bohlken (Saskatchewan; Moose Jaw, Sask.) found the back of the net early on as Canada had a fast 1-0 lead only 1:27 into the contest.
Another defenceman, Cassandra Labrie (Moncton Aigles Bleus; Cole Harbour, N.S.), scored almost midway through the second period and less than two minutes later, Team Canada struck again when forward Morgan McCann (Laurentian Voyageurs; Parkhill, Ont.) notched her second of the Universiade. After two, it was 3-0 for Canada. Forward Tricia Van Vaerenbergh (Lethbridge Pronghorns; Picture Butte, Alta.) scored her first of this tournament to end the scoring. Canada led 35-25 in shots and went 5/5 on the penalty kill as they improved to a 2-0 record so far and have not given up a goal yet.
“This was a solid performance from our goalie as Jessica made a big save with seven minutes remaining in the first on a partial breakaway,” commented head coach Stacey Colarossi (Laurentian) after the win. “Our back end contributing offensively to help transition is what we have been looking for. Tomorrow we are just looking to grow from today and play a more consistent game – where our game plan is executed throughout all three zones.”
The Canadian women’s hockey team takes on USA (1-1) on Monday in a good ole’ North American rivalry that is always intense. Game time is 12:30 a.m. ET / 9:30 p.m. PT (Sunday night) at Pervomaisky Ice Arena.
Women’s Curling
In day one of curling, the women’s team had two draws and were a perfect 2-0 after a 10-3 victory over China in the opening session and followed up with a nifty and quick 6-1 win over Japan in the evening. Canada was efficient throughout as they only needed six ends before they shook hands against China and then after stealing back-to-back ends of two points, they completed the strong first day with a seven-end win over Japan at the Ivan Yargin Square Palace.
In game one, Canada pulled away early with a three-ender in the second and then another three-ender in the fourth and sealed away the match with a huge four-ender in the sixth.
Skip Kristen Streifel (Alberta Pandas; Clavet, Sask.) stated after the first match, “It was a really great game and nice to get that first win under our belts. Especially, with such a packed crowd and that was super exciting. The ice was great; the girls played a great game and we just tried to get comfortable with the conditions and the atmosphere. It was electrifying and I had chills prior to the game with the energy from the crowd.”
In the second game, Canada jumped to a quick 2-0 lead in the first and then after three blank ends, Japan was forced into some tricky shots by their skip, which she could not pull off. Canada registered back-to-back steals of two and then after Japan could only muster a lone point in the seven with the hammer, the game was over in a quick seven ends.
Only playing 13 of a possible 20 ends on Sunday should come in handy as the tournament progresses.
“It feels pretty good to go 2-0 to start and we played our best game that we could," said lead Jesse Iles (Alberta, The Pas, Man.). "We got fortunate to get a few steals late in the game and helped us win. We wanted to start strong. The crowd is intense and great to have parents here to cheer us on!”
Women’s Curling results (both games)
Men’s Curling
In their lone match of day one of curling, the men’s team did not need to play the full 10 ends, winning 9-4 over the Republic of Korea in the afternoon draw. After being down 3-1 after three, the maple leaf squad found their game and applied maximum pressure on Korea with two in the fourth and another in the fifth. After the break, Korea scored a single point in the sixth and then Canada broke open the game with three in the seventh and sealed the victory with a deuce in the eight.
It was a result that the front end was pleased about.
“We started slow to figure out the ice conditions but stuck to our structure. We came together as a team and built off that in the end,’ stated second Chris Kennedy (Alberta; Red Deer, Alta.) “We play the last ends really well by forcing the play and have lots of confidence moving forward.”
Lead Glenn Venance (Alberta; Kitscoty, Alta.) echoed his teammate. “
We started slow but got a handle of the ice conditions and made the right adjustment. I’ve been looking forward to this Universiade and the first day was a good start. I was impressed as the venue is fantastic and being embraced by the Russian community is amazing. The atmosphere rivaled any top curling event in Canada as the crowd was great today.”
Men’s Curling Results (one game)
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