A win over Russia Tuesday night and Canada’s national women’s U18 hockey team is off to the semifinals at the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) world championships in Obihiro, Japan.
Canada (1-1), with Vernon’s Anne Cherkowski on the roster, jumped out to a two-goal lead early in the second period, but ultimately fell to the United States 3-2 in its second game Monday.
Julia Gosling of London, Ont., and Laura Cote from Burlington, Ont. scored her first international goal on a partial breakaway for Canada.
Cherkowski, a Pursuit of Excellence product, was held off the scoresheet. Raygan Kirk of Ste. Anne, Man. made 20 saves in the loss.
Canada beat Russia 4-0 in a pre-tournament match in Japan with Cherkowski scoring her first Team Canada goal 47 seconds into the contest. She was set up by POE teammate Danielle Serdachny of Edmonton.
Cherkowski scored 47 seconds into Canada’s final pre-tournament tune-up, a 4-0 win over Russia, in a game played in Tomakomai Thursday. She was set up for the goal by POE teammate Danielle Serdachny of Edmonton.
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Mahika Sarrazin of Gatineau, Que. and Kirkcombined to make 19 saves for the shutout.
Prior to heading to Japan, Canada fell 3-2 in double overtime in an exhibition game New Year’s Eve against the B.C. Major Midget League’s Valley West Giants of Langley. Cherkowski was held off the scoresheet.
The gold-medal game is slated for 12 a.m. Pacific on Sunday.
Finland, Japan, the Czech Republic and Switzerland make up the other pool.
Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team is looking to earn its first gold medal at the IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship since 2014, having won gold four times (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014), silver six times (2008, 2009, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2017) and bronze once (2018).
For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, Twitter, and Twitter.com/HC_Women.
roger@vernonmorningstar.com
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