Game 13: Canada U21 vs. Alberta 10-0 (6-0)
The Canadian juniors cruised past the Alberta side, scoring in the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th minute of play. Forward Stephanie Norlander notched a hat trick within the first 24 minutes of play, while Holly Stewart picked up one of her own by the end of 70 minutes. The Canadian juniors dominated in possession and found ease entering the circle.
Despite the scoreline, Alberta’s Burgundy Biletski was an anchor for defence line that had some solid play from centre defender Brittany Seidler. In the second half, Canada continued to move the ball around well and found the back of the net four times on two field goals, a penalty stroke by Jess Buttinger and a low drag flick from Sophia Walia. The final score of 10-0 put the Canadian side at the top of the pool-play standings and automatically into the gold-medal game.
Game 14: British Columbia vs. Ontario 5-1 (1-1)
Team BC was regrouping after suffering their first loss just a day prior to the Canadian junior team. BC set the pace of the game immediately, entering the circle and earning their first short corner in the opening minute of play. BC was unable to capitalize but continued to dominate in possession. Ontario’s Kaelan Watson and Angela Lancaster were defensive thwarts to most of the BC attack, while Brienne Stairs did most of the damage up front.
Despite the flow of the game, Ontario were the first to get on the board after a ball was mistrapped in front of the BC net, allowing Katelynn Roganowicz to smash home the loose ball. The 1-0 Ontario lead remained for nearly 10 minutes of play, as BC struggled to capitalize in the other end.
Finally, following a long series of sustained possession, BC was able to earn a penalty corner. Dani Hennig’s low flick through the middle of the circle was effortlessly deflected into the net by Poonam Sandhu to tie the game. The 1-1 scoreline remained through half, as both teams struggled to score. BC continued to dominate in midfield play and it wasn’t until the 60th minute that Katie Jameson knocked home a rebound on a penalty corner to give BC the go-ahead goal.
Only two minutes later, Emma Mackie finished a loose ball after a series of BC rushes, lifting BC up 3-1, and forcing Ontario to pull their goalkeeper for the extra attacker. Despite their efforts, Nat Sourisseau and Poonam Sandhu were able to provide some insurance, giving BC the 5-1 victory after a very close 60 minutes of play.
The three points guarantees BC a spot in the finals, where they will face the Canadian juniors for a highly anticipated rematch.
