The Canadian Women opened the 4 Nation Classic competition in Vancouver with a decisive win over Trinidad & Tobago, a team they will face in pool play at the upcoming Pan American Games in Guadalajara.

In the attendance of the Hon. Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), the game started on a slow momentum. Canada had most of the ball possession and was clearly dominating play, but could not break through the regrouped Trinidadian defense. Trinidad even had a chance on a penalty-corner, the only opportunity for Canadian goal-keeper Azelia LIU to see the ball in the whole game.

There was however only so much pressure that Trinidad could sustain unscathed, and Nathalie SOURISSEAU finally opened the scoring in the 18 minute, followed shortly after by Thea CULLEY, left with an easy tap-in on the far post on a cross from the right.

Canada sealed the game early in second period, with goals from Jessalyn WALKEY and Kate GILLIS. They were never really in danger, Trinidad hardly crossing the centre line and the pace slowed down for a while. Hannah HAUGHN had a spectacular solitary run, beating a few defenders with her speed, but her shot went marginally wide. It is only in the final ten minutes that Canada picked up the pace again, with goals from Kristine WISHART in the 59th minute, picking up the rebound on a penalty-corner initially shot by Diana ROEMER after a swift combination, then an opportunistic goal by Kate GILLIS, her second of the game.

The Canadian women looked fit and sharp, played with authority, and have opened their summer campaign on a positive note.

Canada: Kate GILLIS, Samantha SMITH, Stephanie JAMESON, Thea CULLEY, Katie BAKER, Abigail RAYE, Diana ROEMER, Tyla FLEXMAN, Kristine WISHART, Jessalyn WALKEY, Azelia LIU (GK)

Substitutes: Danielle HENNIG, Poonam SANDHU, Hannah HAUGHN, Natalie SOURISSEAU