Canada's National Development Team played one of the fastest, tightest checking, and most complete games of a Canadian team at any level in the past year to open their Summer Series against USA's Collegiate Select roster with a win.
Canada didn't score in abundance, but they also managed to hold USA off the board in their 1-0 Summer Series opening win.
Canada's national development, under new head coach Vicky Sunohara, played relentless, fast hockey that kept USA to the periphery, and shut down opportunities before they could develop.
It was not only an impressive opening performance, but it showed the potential and promise in their roster.
Difference Makers Make Their Presence Known
Caitlin Kraemer looked to have taken a major step forward this offsesaon toward her quest to not only be a dominant player at the collegiate level, but to challenge for a roster spot with Canada's senior national team. Kraemer, a Minnesota-Duluth forward, used her body to protect pucks, and drive to the net in the game offensively, and was equally strong in winning puck battles defensively. The benefit of pairing Kraemer with her former U-18 national team and Waterloo Ravens teammate Abby Stonehouse was quickly evident as well. Stonehouse was often the motor disrupting play and opening lanes for Kraemer, and when the pressure moved to Kraemer, the ability of Stonehouse, who will return to Penn State this season, to transition to showcase her skilled side made the line difficult to
The calming presence of Éve Gascon (Minnesota-Duluth) who stopped 23 shots in her shutout win was clear, as Gascon has long been considered Canada's best goaltending prospect, and herself has a silver medal at the 2025 World Championships as a member of Canada's senior national team.
Chloe Primerano also looked a step ahead of the rest of the group in her physicality, control of the puck and pace, and ability to transition Canada away from trouble and onto the attack.
Another returning veteran who showed her worth on both sides of the puck was UConn's Claire Murdoch who took away lanes, blocked shots, and used her positioning to separate pucks from sticks, while also showing her vision and passing abilities.
Defender Emma Venusio and forward Eloise Caron also had eye catching moments in the game.
Youth Become Standouts Immediately
While Canada's older players were the foundation of the game, their calming presence opened the door for Canada's younger players to shine.
Rosalie Tremblay was often Canada's best player on the ice. It went far beyond her game winning goal. The soon-to-be Wisconsin Badgers forward was relentless in her pursuit of the puck, providing back pressure consistently throughout the game and forcing turnovers from USA's blueline. Her first cross overs turning up the ice and dangerous release were evident. It's why Tremblay was the MVP of Canada's U-18 National Championships this year, and it's her habits that have made her an impact player before ever stepping foot in the NCAA.
The third member of Canada's most dangerous line alongside Kraemer and Stonehouse was Maxine Cimeroni, and she complemented that duo, and as the game grew so did her willingness to assert herself alongside the pair.
Hayley McDonald, another Canadian who hasn't played NCAA hockey yet, looked ready to be a collegiate impact player, and was already a threatening attacker, and two-way responsible forward for Canada. She used her size well, and played beyond her years in terms of her decision making with the puck, and positioning off. She'll make her collegiate debut this fall at Ohio State.
Canada's other top young players including Stryker Zablocki, Sara Manness, and Kate Manness all showed glimpses of their potential, particularly Zablocki with her game breaking speed.
With a game under their belt as a team, Canada will regroup and face USA again today.
