June 24, 2009
The Canadian women’s national field hockey team salvaged a 2-2 draw with Belgium Wednesday afternoon at the FIH Champions Challenge II in Kazan, Russia. Jessalyn Walkey of Rockwood, Ontario and Diana Roemer of Mill Bay, British Columbia scored the goals for Canada.
Photo: PAHF/ Alex Masters
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“Today’s game was definitely a step in the right direction,” said head coach Louis Mendonca. “We competed for 70 minutes, but because of our inexperience, we could not see out the win. Full marks to Belgium who were a very formidable opponent.”
Walkey opened the scoring for Canada in the 2nd minute on a field goal from West Vancouver’s Shannon Elmitt. Canada reached half time with their lead still intact, with Belgium’s Maorgane Vouche receiving a Yellow Card just before the break for a deliberate push.
Roemer doubled the score to 2-0 ten minutes into the second half on a Canadian penalty corner.
However the Belgiums fought back by earning a penalty stroke in the 52nd minute which was converted by Sofie Gierst. Gierst then netted the tying goal six minutes later past Canadian goalkeeper Amanda Stone of Richmond, British Columbia.
Canada finishes in 4th place in pool A. They will next face Malaysia on Friday in a 5-8 classification match.
The FIH Champions Challenge II is a new world-level event for the top teams not competing in the Champions Trophy or Champions Challenge I. The winner will be promoted to the Champions Challenge I in 2011.
Starting Lineup