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Slovakia women fall 4-0 to Canada in hard-fought opening game

Team Canada celebrates after scoring the second goal during the third period against Slovakia during a Women’s Ice Hockey game at the 2023 FISU World University Games on January 11, 2023 in Potsdam, New York. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/FISU Games)

POTSDAM — The Canadian Women’s Ice Hockey Team faced Slovakia in a hard fought game at Maxcy Ice Arena, ultimately emerging as victors after what started out as a close game ended with Canada winning by a score of 4-0 Wednesday.

“It means everything, being able to play for something more than just yourself and I think that really helps bring everyone’s game up “ said Shae Demale on playing for Team Canada.

Canada has won the silver medal for women’s ice hockey three times in a row coming into the Lake Placid 2023 FISU Games, while Slovakia has only placed once in this event, a bronze medal back in 2011.

The game was close through the full 60 minutes. Both teams played an evenly matched, skilled, yet tough game.

Despite scoring early in the first period, Canada had to keep their heads up due to Slovakia’s fast and hard-checking style of play. Even after Canada scored their second goal in the eighth minute of the third period, Slovakia stayed with them and never made Canada seem as though the game was done. This was until Canada scored two quick goals to ice the game with four minutes remaining in the last period.

Despite their best efforts, Slovakia fell 4-0 in their first game of the tournament.

“They’re stepping out of their comfort zone, they’re developing memories and that’s what we’re really here for.. It would be nice to just focus on hockey, but we would be doing a disservice to this event,” said Canadian Head Coach Gregory Bowles. “This is the largest event outside of the Olympics. We need to take it in and make sure we are allowed to grow as human beings and not just hockey players.”

This is the first game for both teams in this year’s tournament. Slovakia are looking to redeem themselves on Saturday as they take on Great Britain, who is 0-1-0 after a tough loss to the Czech Republic. Canada is set to play the Czech Republic (1-0-0) who are coming off a red-hot 13-0 win against Great Britain on Saturday as well.

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