Canada is staying in the present, and focusing on getting better every game. They have only been looking to win, and move to the next. One more win however, would mean the next is a game for gold.
Canada is staying in the present, and focusing on getting better every game. They have only been looking to win, and move to the next. One more win however, would mean the next is a game for gold.
Canada entered the quarterfinals against a familiar foe in Sweden. Last year Sweden took Canada as close as they've ever been in a quarterfinal with the game being decided in overtime. This year, things came a little bit easier.
It's a positive sign for Canada, who will now need to beat last year's bronze medalists Czechia if they want to play for gold. Canadian players believe the team has improved throughout the tournament, and that they're ready for the next challenge.
"We're right where we want to be right now," said Renata Fast, who scored twice for Canada in the quarterfinals.
Fast's multi-goal game was a rarity for Canada at the tournament, as the bulk of their offense has been spread across their roster. According to Fast, Canada's balanced scoring is a good thing.
"That's a huge positive sign, you want offensive chip ins from all of your lines," she said. "Everyone from our top line to our fourth line has been contributing all tournament long."
As Laura Stacey, who also scored in the quarterfinals said however, Canada still has more to work on, and can continue to improve moving forward.
"We have lots to work on still, we know we have better in us, there's some things we're going to look at video, adjust and do better for the next game," said Stacey.
It's the game by game approach that is keeping Canada focused, rather than looking back at their lone loss of the tournament, a 1-0 overtime decision to USA, or the potential for a rematch for gold against the Americans on Sunday. Instead, it's all about where Canada is now. In this circumstance, it's heading into a semifinal matchup against Czechia.
"Our goal was to focus on the present, win the game and move to the next," said Stacey.
If they win the next, it will be on to fight for gold yet again.