By Kristi Patton /
It’s a monkey they are glad to have shaken off their backs, but it is just another step to be taken before the Olympics.
The Canadian National Women’s team defeated the United States in international play for the first time since 2007 at the 4 Nations Cup held in Finland earlier this month. Having lost to the southern neighbours in two world championships, the 2008 4 Nations Cup and the Hockey Canada Cup in Vancouver this past September the victory is a big one for the Canadians.
“It was exciting to win in a tournament against the U.S. and it is something we haven’t done for a long time,” said Team Canada defenceman Meaghan Mikkelson. “We knew we had to bring our A-game to come out with a win and losing to them in the round robin served as fuel to the fire going into the gold medal game.”
The United States defeated Canada 3-2 in round-robin play but couldn’t repeat in the gold medal final. Canada capitalized their opportunities on the powerplay, with Mikkelson pitching in with assists on all three of the special team goals. Canada turned their powerplay around to 3-for-6 in the final compared to a dismal 1-for-7 in the round robin against the United States.
“I was given the chance to get out there on the powerplay and I feel very fortunate for that.
Everyone was getting their shot at it in different games and I was lucky to get out there in the gold medal game. I just tried to get the puck to the net and it worked out really well,” said Mikkelson.
Hayley Wickenheiser led the team and the tournament in points with a goal and five assists in the four games. Jayna Hefford, who had four goals in the tournament, celebrated her 200th international game. For Mikkelson, it was her first championship win with the senior national women’s team.
“I have to pinch myself still sometimes playing with Hayley Wickenheiser, Jennifer Botterill and Jayna Hefford. These are players that I look up to...there are so many players on this team with so much experience that have really helped to create a name for the women’s game. I definitely look up to them a lot and feel really lucky to have this opportunity to play with them.”
Both teams are viewed as favourites leading up to the Olympics but for the Canadian players there is still a lot of work ahead of them. The team still needs to shave five players off the roster. Hockey Canada has been evaluating players in a centralized camp in Calgary where they have been playing against men’s teams in the Alberta Midget Hockey League.
“Having the opportunity to play so many games is tough but I personally have been enjoying such a heavy schedule because I think it is helping us progress as a team. This is an experience of a lifetime and I am very blessed to have this opportunity to take advantage of all tools that we are given with the great coaching and resources. I have been really enjoying this experience,” said Mikkelson. |