There was a lot to learn from Team Canada's 1-3 start at the 2023-2024 Rivalry Series. From Canada's need to keep their NCAA players, a struggling power play, and which individuals stood out, here's the rundown.
There was a lot to learn from Team Canada's 1-3 start at the 2023-2024 Rivalry Series. From Canada's need to keep their NCAA players, a struggling power play, and which individuals stood out, here's the rundown.
Canada narrowly held onto hope that they can complete another comeback at the Rivalry Series like they did last year. If they do, even if they win two of the remaining three, it will be another clean sign of the differences between USA and Canada's rosters.
The strengths and weaknesses for Canada were on full display at the first four stops of the Rivalry Series, and some players made strong cases for roster spots, while others looked like their roster positions could be in question sooner than later. Here's a top to bottom look at what became clear within Canada's lineup.
It's time for more youth
There was a marked difference when Canada's younger players came on the ice, just like Canada struggled to contain USA's youth. USA has leaned heavily on NCAA players in recent competitions, and it has worked. The PWHL could change that helping the pros sharpen their game and keep up. The NCAA players from the USA, players like Abbey Murphy, Caroline Harvey, Kirsten Simms, Cayla Barnes, and Hannah Bilka remain too much for Canada at times. The answer to that in the last two Rivalry Series games was the growth of Julia Gosling, Anne Cherkowski, and Danielle Serdachny as a unit up front. It's an intriguing mi of size and strength in Gosling and Serdachny, with the speed, skill, and two-way acumen of Cherkowski. Jennifer Gardiner also had some noticeable moments, while Nicole Gosling looked solid on the blueline for Canada. She made crisp passes, wasn't afraid to shoot the puck, and most importantly, she was consistent and made good decisions with the puck. It's time for Canada's youth movement to begin. There is a noticeable gap for Canada in upcoming players, but there's no reason Canada can't start grooming players like Emmalee Pais and Jocelyn Amos now. The next wave of players coming into the NCAA is where the biggest impact will emerge, as Canada eyes fast tracking defender Chloe Primerano to the top. If Canada does come back in the Rivalry Series, just like last year, it might not mean they're the better team, it might mean Canada's pro depth is better than USA's, while USA's college kids are too much for Canada. With that in mind, Canada should start speckling in more NCAA energy themselves.
Canada's power play needs to be revamped
Canada is 0-for-16 to start the Rivalry Series on the power play. More concerning is their general lack of quality scoring chances. Canada has largely relied on veterans here, and the youth in their brief looks had more success. On their first unit, Jocelyne Larocque was playing the top of their umbrella. She's an excellent distributor, but not the best shooter on the ice, which was evident when she had opportunities. In game three and four, Canada regularly deployed Loren Gabel, but they were unable to find her for shots. Gabel may be best suited in Canada's lineup as a powerplay specialist, but for her to be effective, she needs the put in the circles. More than who is out there, Canada's alignment just wasn't working. They spent a lot of time moving the puck around the top of their set up, but there wasn't enough movement of bodies, and of pucks moving from side to side crossing the royal road.
Who has struggled for Canada in the Rivalry Series
It's never fun to talk about players who could be replaced, but with the PWHL ready to launch, players will undoubtedly emerge and force their way into national team conversations. That might also include the rejuvenation of offensive attributes or confidence among Canada's veterans. There's no clear answer here because Marie-Philip Poulin and Blayre Turnbull are both without a point in their four Rivalry Series appearances, but no one would suggest they aren't still top contributors, and in Poulin's case, tops in the world. While Emma Maltais played an agitating energy role for Canada, there were times when she wasn't noticeable, and she is the only other Canadian forward who played all four games without a point. While she had two assists, Kristen O'Neill also had periods of invisibility. They weren't alone in offensive struggles. But when Jamie Lee Rattray and Sarah Fillier return, it will be hard to say at least three of the NCAA players haven't earned their place thus far. The other players who are likely considered on the bubble had their ups and downs. Loren Gabel has clear goal scoring ability, but in Kitchener she played a periphery game. That wasn't the case in Sarnia as the physically engaged more, and it helped her contribute without the puck. Jessie Eldridge is seemingly the final forward looking for a spot. She had strong moments in her opening games, and like Gabel, will be one of the most watch Canadians in the PWHL. On the blueline, Jocelyne Larocque didn't look her normal self. She fought the puck at times in her own zone, a common issue among Canadian blueliners of late. Sophie Jacques first Rivalry Series game in November is best forgotten. She made better choices this time around, but was used very sparingly. It's hard to see her as ready right now to play at this level, particularly when Erin Ambrose and Micah Zandee-Hart return. The PWHL will be an excellent opportunity for Jaques to fine-tune, as she has invaluable tools. In net, the sample size was small, but Kristen Campbell's job may be in question.
Who was strong for Team Canada
Without question, Renata Fast was Canada's best blueliner, particularly following Erin Ambrose's injury. She was doing it all for Canada from battling in her own zone, to leading rushes offensively. She was followed closely by Ella Shelton on the back end. Jaime Bourbonnais was steady, and Ashton Bell looks like she made significant strides on the defensive side of things and would be a welcomed re-integration to the lineup. Up front, aside from the collegiate trio of Anne Cherkowski, Julia Gosling, and Danielle Serdachny, veterans Poulin and Turnbull were impact players despite not hitting the scoresheet. Sarah Nurse was largely absent from the attack in the first Rivalry Series stops, but she looked more engaged at both ends of the ice this month. At times she started playing with an edge, and it elevated those around her. Emily Clark has yet to break out offensively for Canada, but she could be the answer to Canada's top six woes if they run with her. She's a complete player who looks poised to contribute in a big way if given the chance. Laura Stacey did more Laura Stacey things of playing a hard, straight line game, using her size and speed with abandon. In net, Ann-Renee Desbiens looked strong, and will only get better the more games she plays. Her calming presence in net was clear, and her impact, particularly in Canada's shootout win, was undeniable.