Sarah Fillier Exits Game Early For Canada With Possible Injury

Sarah Fillier, an important piece of the offence for Team Canada, left the second and final pre-tournament game versus the United States, favouring her right shoulder after a first-period collision with the boards.

During a puck battle with American defender Megan Keller, Fillier went awkwardly into the boards and was slow to get up, favouring her right shoulder. After initially skating to the bench, Fillier left the game during the next stoppage in play.

The loss of Fillier, who had a goal and an assist in Canada's Game 1 win on Wednesday, is a blow to the team's offensive punch. Fillier has the ability to open lanes and generate plays, something that was on full display in Game 1 and looked to be missing from the Canadian attack throughout Game 2 in Plymouth, Michigan.

Beyond the offensive loss for Canada is the experience, which cannot be overstated in short tournaments such as the upcoming Women's World Championships. Fillier brings a tremendous resume to each tournament, and the experience that comes with it would have been valuable, especially for a younger Canadian squad.

While it remains to be seen how long Fillier will be out, or whether she'll be able to join Canada in Denmark next month, her absence dramatically changes how the coaching staff plans for the tournament. And after falling short last year, Canada cannot afford any setbacks.

Fillier, the former PWHL Rookie of the Year, also plays for the New York Sirens.