Canada dominated the opening game of their U-18 series against USA. We recap the game and name three stars.
Canada dominated the opening game of their U-18 series against USA. We recap the game and name three stars.
Canada looked like the better team top to bottom in game one of the U-18 Summer Series against USA. Hannah Clark was only forced to make 13 saves in the 4-0 shutout over Team USA while the Canadians peppered American netminder Layla Hemp with 38 shots.
Canada's top line of Stryker Zablocki, Caitlin Kraemer, and Abby Stonehouse were dominant in the game. each registered points in the game with Stonehouse scoring, along with Makayla Watson, Maxine Cimeroni, and Sienna D'Alessandro. For D'Alessandro it was continued strong play after originally being left off Canada's roster. In Wednesday's game against USA, she played on a powerplay unit for Canada and threatened at even strength as well.
Here's three stars from game one:
First Star - Abby Stonehouse
She was the motor that kept Canada going in this game. Stonehouse showed herself on the powerplay, penalty kill, and regular strength. Her compete level is off the charts, and she put pressure on American defenders throughout the game causing turnovers. The highlight of her game was a dirty goal she scored crashing the net off a Caitlin Kraemer shot.
Second Star - Caitlin Kraemer
She didn't score, but she was a beast everywhere she skated. Kraemer looked physically stronger than any player that came into her space, pushing opponents off the puck, powering around defenders, and driving to the middle of the ice. There was nothing about her game that didn't look NCAA ready, and like she's destined for bigger things. She's a budding power forward.
Third Star - Layla Hemp
Without Hemp, this game would have been a blowout. She turned away Canadian shooters time and again from high percentage areas, including breakaways, and on several powerplay opportunities. Hemp showed solid rebound control, and was a confident extra hand for USA's blueliners while handling the puck. There was nothing Hemp could do to halt Canada's offense, but she put up a valiant effort that should secure her starting position.
Other Notable Performances
Chloe Primerano lived up to everything that was expected of her in her first real test in a Canadian uniform. She showed her elite mobility, patience with the puck, willingness to join the attack, and didn't shy away from physical play. She's Canada's defender of the future. Also on the blueliner, Jessica Cheung didn't show as much flash in camp, but in her first challenge against USA, Cheung showed more than she had in any game this summer. The Ottawa blueliner transitioned the puck up ice with ease, evaded forecheckers, and played an effective game at both ends of the ice. She did all the important things right, and made it look easy. Canada also saw first time national team members like Sara Manness and Reese Logan show why they cracked this lineup. In reality, there were few Canadians who didn't have standout shifts drawing your attention. On the American side, it was a frustrating night. Taylor Senecal was one of USA's top blueliners. She generated chances, and effectively transported the puck. With the American offensive unable to penetrate into Canada's zone with regularity, it was the two-way presence of Alanna Devlin, a Boston College commit, who stood out. On a team that lacked compete, Devlin did not fall into that trap. She fought for pucks all night.