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CCII - Russia takes Canada 3-2 with late goal
A determined Canadian team suffered a last minute, heartbreaking loss to Russia in the 5/6 qualifying game at the Champions’ Challenge II tournament in Vienna. Prior to the match, Kate Gillis was honoured for receiving her 50th international cap, joining team mates Abi Raye and Tyla Flexman on achieving this milestone at this tournament.
Canada dominated with pressure on Russia in the first fifteen minutes. In the 11th minute, a hard shot into the circle by Krissy Wishart was deflected by Marian Dickinson to give Canada a 1-0 lead…
CCII - Canada defeated by Belgium 1-0
Despite a valiant effort and strong second half surge, Canada lost 1-0 to Belgium in the quarter-finals of the Champions’ Challenge II tournament in Vienna. They now need to re-group and win their final two games to finish fifth. Before the game, Tyla Flexman was presented flowers by mother and two sisters, honouring her 50th cap. Canada returned to their original starting line-up with Sam Smith drawing in for Sara McManus. Although Belgium pressured early, Canada earned a Penalty Corner at 4′, the shot from Katie Baker deflecting wide for a long corner…
CCII - Canada defeated by Italy 2-1
Canada suffered a heart-breaking 2-1 loss to Italy in their final Pool game at the Champions’ Challenge II tournament in Vienna.Italy dominated the play early, earning two Penalty Corners in the first ten minutes. They scored on the second, putting in a rebound after a fine save by Azelia Liu. Italy continued their strong play with another Penalty Corner at 13′, forcing another save by the goalkeeper at 15′, and shooting wide at 17′.Gradually, however, Canada began to gain momentum with several chances later in the half, notably a Thea Culley shot that went just wide at 31′, along with several long corners before the half ended…
CCII - Canada defeats Chile 1-0 in Game 2
May 8, 2011
Canada moved one step closer to securing the top of Pool B with a hard fought 1-0 win over Chile in the second day of the Champions Challenge II in Vienna. Prior to the match, Abigail Raye was recognized as today she will receive her 50th international cap. Abi was presented flowers from coach Louis Mendonca, who also was earning his 50th "cap" as coach of the women’s national team.
Buoyed on by the continCanadian fans, Canada played smart, structured hockey during the first half…
CCII - Canada defeats Austria 2-1 in Game 1
May 7, 2011
Canada defeated Austria in their first game of the Champions Challenge II in Vienna, Austria. Playing under sunny and warm skies (so bright that the spectators could not see the numbers on the score board!), Canada came out strong and dominated the first half. They were the first team to arrive in Vienna, but for the hosts, and it paid off in their preparation.
Canada’s strong start paid off at 12‘ when Katie Baker rang a straight shot low and hard on the stick side of the goalie on Canada’s first penalty Corner…
Win for England in 2nd match of series
Another win for England in second of three match series against CanadaCanada – 0 England – 4Canada came out ready, playing with more grit and determination. The Canadian team was able to execute our half court with significant improvement, holding shape and space as well as making good decisions. Even with this considerable improvement, Canada was under considerable pressure throughout the game mainly due to unforced and forced errors, and when Canada was able to breakout of its zone, the decisions were always under pressure, causing missed opportunity in the open space and/or open players…
Jr. Men defeated in match against England
England defeats Canada in first of three match series
Canada – 0 England – 4
Both the English and Canada side tested each other at the beginning of the match, but after the first few minutes Canada was quickly put back on their heels by the physical size, pace of play and team approach by the English side. The Canadian defensive structure was not quite there in the first half and the English were able to take advantage of this. The Canadian athletes were being exposed to a new level of competition…
Scotland takes second match of Jr series
Scotland takes second match in two game series against Canada
Canada – 1 Scotland – 5
The 4 – 0 score for Scotland in the 1st half did not reflected the complete picture of play. Canada improved in some area of it’s game compared to the first match less than 24 hours earlier. Canada showed better ball movement, positional play and man making, leading into space and quick counter attacks. Canada lost focus twice when Scotland had earned free hits inside the 25, not resetting defensively, allowing Scotland to take advantage of quick hits attacking into the circle and scoring at the 5th and 25th minutes…
Canada takes final game with 4-1 victory
Canada ends tour on a high note with a win against Scotland
This was the final game of the three match test series with Scotland, and the last game of the tour for Canada.
Much to Head Coach D’Abreo delight, the team wasted no time in asserting their presences by scoring their first goal in the second minute of play.
Canada obtained possession of the ball just outside the Scottish 23 meter line and Keegan Pereira hammered a hard ball into the Scottish circle. Cutting across the middle of the circle was Philip Wright who magically deflected the fast moving ball behind his back past the Scottish keeper…