Canada’s Loss to Australia A is a Learning Experience

July 29, 2009

Canada kicked off the 3 Nation Series on Wednesday with a 3-0 loss to the Australia A side.  The play of the first round match did not support the lopsided score, however, as both teams had chances, and Australia’s second team simply had better finishing. 

Goaltender Matt Peck played a solid game, starting his first match after taking two years away from the team.  Australia’s three goals were scored on a penalty corner, a deflection, and a reverse stick top corner – all plays on which Peck had no chance. 

The Aussies set the tone from the start, as they carried the play early.

“These are all guys who are fighting to get on the first team, they’re fighting for a spot on the World Cup team, so they came out hard,” said Canada’s captain Ken Periera, in a post-game interview.  The play quickly evened out, and though Australia played a better match, Canada was not dominated by any means. 

Head Coach Alan Brahmst had this summary, “Overall we were working, but we weren’t working very smart.  We weren’t defending aggressively enough.” 

Pereira thinks the team will improve after the first match, “It was tough but it was a learning experience… it takes a little time for some of the new guys to adapt to the pace at the world level.” 

The Canadians will have to be quick studies, shoring up their defensive errors as they are right back at it on Thursday at 6:30 P.M. local time, playing Australia’s first team, the Kookaburras, who beat Malaysia by a score of 11-3 in the first round.   Against the world number 2 ranked hockey team, Canada will need a much stronger defensive effort and improved execution.  As always, Pereira and the boys will be up for the challenge.