MADISON, WIS. — A day after being frustrated by Finland, Canada bounced back Tuesday with a strong team effort to defeat Sweden 3-1 at the U18 Women's World Hockey Championship in Madison, Wis.
Feeling dejected after outshooting Finland 40-17 but losing 2-0 on Monday, Canada had more finish around the net in registering an important victory to improve to 1-1 in the Group A pool.
Forward Rhea Hicks paced Canada with two goals, while Reichen Kirchmair chipped in with a single.
Tuva Kandell scored for Sweden, who trailed 2-0 after the first period and 3-1 entering the final frame. Sweden lost 6-1 to the U.S. on Monday and are now 0-2 in the Group A pool.
“It feels great to have the first win under our belt, and to have some momentum going into our next game," said Kirchmair who opened the scoring just 2:28 into the first period. "Getting my first goal at this level of play was such an exciting moment, and for it to be the first goal of the game [for us] felt really good."
While thrilled with the final result, Canada's assistant coach Tara Watchorn was concerned about her team's rash of penalties.
“We live and learn from [our penalties]. It was great practice for [our penalty kill], so we will take that and run with it, but we need to learn to get used to international officiating and be more disciplined moving forward," said Watchhorn.
"We are excited for the challenge [of playing the U.S.], but we just need to keep on our path, keep sticking to our process and take it one game at a time.”
Mari Pieterson was in net for Canada and she made 33 saves. Sweden goalie Lisa Jonsson made 53 stops.
Canada plays the U.S. on Thursday.
