Thursday evening saw the GB Women’s Para Ice Hockey team fall to a 7-0 defeat at the hands of Canada, who are ranked second in the world. The result saw Canada top Group B with GB finishing in second place and qualifying for Saturdays Semi-Final against world #1 USA.
Six of Canada’s goals came in the opening period – from Sheena Darnley, Mackenzie Spong, Christina Picton, Hadley Frittenburg, Aubree Clements and Peyton Vergie.
Captain Picton scored a shorthanded goal in the second period to seal the victory, with the final period being scoreless.
“We had some players’ objectives, so I’m really proud of the way the team responded well to my challenges before the game. We also wanted to make sure to challenge Great Britain, so they can get better also,” said Canada Head Coach Tara Chisholm. “Being a new nation, not playing a lot internationally can be hard. That makes us feel great about the result, but also about the growth of the sport.”
Great Britain’s Kirsty van der Poll, one of the players making her debut for the national team in Dolny Kubin, praised her teammates efforts against Canada: “I’m proud of our team for sticking together and coming back strong in the second and third periods. It was a really important game for GB to learn from, go out there, work hard and grow. It’s a privilege to be here and be a part of this team.”
GB have a rest day on Friday before they face USA in Saturdays Semi-Final (6.30pm UK). Also on Saturday Canada will face Norway in the other semi-final (3pm UK), whilst Australia and Team World will battle it out in the 5th/6th place game (11.30am UK).
All 3 games are available to watch, free, on the Paralympics YouTube channel.