Canada comes back to defeat United States 4-2 in fifth Rivalry Series game

Canada’s women’s hockey team secured a big come-from-behind win against the United States on Wednesday night in Saskatoon to win 4-2 and cut the Americans’ Rivalry Series lead to 3-2.

Even though Canada outplayed the United States for large stretches of the night, the Americans carried a 2-1 lead into the third period.

In the third, the puck finally started to bounce Canada’s way. Ashton Bell and Renata Fast scored within three minutes to give Canada a 3-2 lead with just over six minutes to play.

We’ve got a tie game with just over 8 minutes remaining!

An innocent point shot from Ashton Bell finds its way past Nicole Hensley to make it 2-2! 🇨🇦

— Shane (@ShaneC06) February 8, 2024

The Americans pressed, but the Canadian defence was too much for the Americans to muster anything, eventually leading to Laura Stacey scoring into the empty net to give the Canadians the 4-2 win.

And just like that Renata Fast puts Canada up 3-2 with under six minutes to play.

SaskTel Centre is buzzing right now! pic.twitter.com/6o5b3e5rMM

— Shane (@ShaneC06) February 8, 2024

Brianne Jenner scored Canada’s opening goal. Grace Zumwinkle and Gabbie Hughes scored for the Americans.

“We were happy with the majority of that game,” said Team Canada assistant coach Kori Cheverie. “I think there’s a few things we want to clean up, but we knew this was an important game for us.”

Cheverie was pleased to see her team staying calm, even when the puck wasn’t bouncing its way.

“I find this team tends to find a way to win games and just sticking to the way we need to play,” she said. “Everybody had energy all the way through, and that’s a really important piece to our team – just their ability to stay at the task at hand.”

Emily Clark and Sophie Shirley were unable to find the scoresheet in their home arena on Wednesday night, but it wasn’t for a lack of trying. Clark had three breakaways, but was unable to put the puck in the back of the net on any of them.

“I think I might be saving it for Regina,” Clark joked when asked about her missed breakaways.

“I wasn’t trying any harder to score tonight than I do any other game. Of course, that would’ve been fun and a special memory, but I’m so happy we got the win and this series is still going.”

Clark was also happy with how her team was able to stick with the game plan and get the win.

“Sometimes you’ve just got to keep with it. It’s easy to get frustrated when bounces aren’t going your way, but there’s 60 minutes in the game so you’ve just got to keep coming wave after wave,” Clark said.

“I think that’s what we did tonight, and we came out with the win.”

Clark spent most of her night on a line with Stacey and Blayre Turnbull, while Shirley was the 13th forward and played a variety of roles in her Team Canada debut.

It was a pretty cool night for Shirley. Not only did she get to make her senior team debut in her hometown, but she also shared the ice with Clark – someone she used to look up to while playing minor hockey in Saskatoon.

“It was amazing. Emily has been a huge role model for me since I can’t event remember,” she explained.

“I think I’ve always kind of looked up to her and tried to emulate everything she’s done and follow in her footsteps. It was super cool to share the ice with her at this level.”

After being down 3-0 in the Rivalry Series, Team Canada will have the chance to tie the series when the teams travel to Regina and the Brandt Centre on Friday night.

A sold-out crowd is anticipated for the big game at 7 p.m.

If Canada can manage a win, the series victory will be on the line in St. Paul, Minn., on Sunday afternoon.