Jennifer Gardiner made quite a World Championship debut on Thursday, recording two goals and adding an assist in Canada’s 4-0 victory over Finland. Gardiner, 23, played on Canada’s top line with captain Marie-Philipe Poulin and Laura Stacey, with whom she’s had incredible success so far in her rookie season with the Montreal Victoire.
“Being in this tournament wouldn’t be possible without them and being part of Canada is so incredible, and to be able to score goals is a huge honor and I hope to continue it throughout the tournament,” an excited Gardiner said after the game.
“It’s been just so fun playing with them because I know how fast they can skate and how quick they can make plays, so trying to level up my own play every time I get to step on the ice with them is something I’m challenging myself to do,” said Gardiner. “They’re such great role models and great friends in my life – kinda like my older sisters – so it’s pretty awesome to get to play with them. The trust and belief they have in me, it means a lot.”
“It’s exciting,” Poulin said about Gardiner’s accomplishment. “She’s a great young kid who brings a lot to this team. She’s very skilled and you could see it tonight.”
Canada Wins World Championship Opener Against Finland
Canada earned a 5-0 win to open their 2025 IIHF World Championships. Looking to repeat as gold medalists, Canada rode their newly formed top line to the win. <br>
“It’s not easy to score goals anywhere, whether it’s in the PWHL or at a World Championship, so to do that with that amount of skill is huge for our team,” Stacey said about Gardiner’s inclusion on the team. “I think it adds another layer or skill, and for us, getting to play with her is fun. When you know you can put the puck on somebody’s stick and there’s a good chance it’s going in the back of the net, it brings a lot of confidence to the line and to the team, and that’s what she did her tonight.”
“I think they have a little bit of everything,” Canadian coach Troy Ryan said about the trio. “Obviously, Stacey and Pou are going to have some natural chemistry, and I think Gardiner brings a good mix of a little bit of energy, a little bit of youthfulness but enough skill as well.”
“The one thing I really like about Gardiner is, she wasn’t necessarily that superstar coming out of U-18 – she struggled to make those teams – but just kept getting better through college. It’s pretty lucky for her too, right? It’s her first year of pro and gets to play with Stacey and Poulin, and because of that chemistry, it was a natural fit to at least start them together. We’re going to give them a couple of games to see if we like it, and it may continue to go forward.”
In addition to Montreal teammates Poulin, Stacey, Kristin O’Neill, defender Erin Ambrose and goaltender Anna-Renée Desbiens, Gardiner also has a couple of former teammates from the Ohio State Buckeyes on this Canadian team. Like Gardiner, Sophie Jaques was also making her World Championship debut against Finland, while Emma Maltais scored Canada’s fourth goal.
“We have just enough to make an O-H-I-O,” Gardiner laughed, including Natalie Spooner, who played for the Buckeyes from 2008 to 2012. “It’s awesome. Ohio State has been a pretty big stepping stone for all of us in our careers and so to get to play with some of my best friends at this level is a huge opportunity. One of our coaches, Peter Elander, was in the building tonight, so that also meant a lot to have him here. He’s the first person who ever recruited me to play in college and opened the door for all of my dreams to come true.”
Later in the tournament, Gardiner is going to get a chance to play against some other former Ohio State teammates as well.
“Yeah, A couple on USA, including one of my best friends, Cayla Barnes, it’s going to be fun to get to see her, and then Sofie Lundin on Sweden, so a lot of familiar faces around the entire tournament, but I think everybody knows that, once we get on the ice, it’s all business.”
Day One: Four Takeaways From The Women's Worlds
Day one of the 2025 IIHF Women's World Championships is in the books. USA, Czechia and <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/womens/international/sweden-overpowers-germany-in-opening-game-of-worlds">Sweden picked up wins</a> on the opening day of the 2025 tournament in Czechia.