On the third and final day of preliminary play at the World Para Ice Hockey Women's World Championships, the United States faced off against Norway in Group A action, while Canada took on Great Britain on the Group B side.
For the Americans, they came into this game after an 8-0 opening day win over Australia, while the Norwegians were looking for a second straight win following their own shutout of Australia, 7-0, on day two.
The United States came out strong with their formidable forecheck, generating wave after wave of offensive zone attacks and it paid off within the first two minutes of play. Forward Katie Ladlie found the back of the net at the 1:56 mark of the first period to open the scoring. Lera Doederlein had the goal of the period, as she broke in alone and deked goaltender Gabby Graves-Wake right to left, making it 3-0 USA. Kelsey DiClaudio capped off the first period hat trick, tucking the puck in with four seconds left to put the US side up 6-0 heading into the dressing room.
Despite the score, Norway made it difficult on the US throughout the opening frame with good defensive plays, using their sticks to block shots and forcing the Americans to the outside.
The second period was a masterclass in passing from the US side, showcasing why their attack is so lethal, as they were able to pass stick to stick with confidence and accuracy, while preventing the defence from being able to get set up. Norway, to their credit, was able to hold off the attack, and owe a lot to the play of goaltender Stine Fydenlund, who finished with 17 saves, but found themselves hemmed into their own zone for virtually the entirety of the period. The game remained 6-0 after thirty minutes.
The US made up for a lack of second period scoring, finding the goal twice early, including a deflection in tight from DiClaudio, giving her four goals in the game. The Americans were awarded the tournament's first penalty shot, as Norway gloved the puck in their own blue paint and they paid for it, as forward Catherine Faherty took the shot and came in, scoring to make it 9-0 in the third. Following a collision in the US goal, starter Graves-Wake was removed from the game for precautionary reasons, as Hope Magelky came in to see her first action of the tournament.
The Americans added one more in the period to take the 10-0 victory, finishing the preliminary round 2-0 and outscoring their opponents 18-0. Norwegian defender Maren Norheim received Player of the Game recognition, while forward Kelsey DiClaudio, who finished with 5 points, took the award for the American side.
In the final game of the preliminary round, Group B leader and world number two-ranked Canada faced off against Great Britain, who were looking for their first victory, and goal, against Canada in this, their fourth attempt.
Canada immediately started this game on the attack, finding time and space in the offensive zone and it paid off, as forward Sheena Darnley opened the scoring at 2:20, notching her first goal of the tournament. The relentless offensive pressure from Canada continued to wreak havoc on Great Britain, as they used their speed and superior passing skills to open up lanes and create chances at will, reflected on the scoreboard. Heading into the game's first intermission, Canada led Great Britain 6-0.
Great Britain, to their credit, played better defensively to start the second period, collapsing down low in front of goaltender Davina Hall. Canada didn't do themselves any favours by taking a team penalty for too many players, and having uncharacteristically poor offensive zone communication. Despite this, Canada still found a way to capitalize, as defender Christina Picton scored her second of the game, marking the tournament's first short handed goal, and stretching their lead to 7-0. Great Britain pressed late, as they found a way to get around the Canadian defence, but remained without a shot on goal, and the game remained 7-0 heading into the final frame.
Despite some late game pressure from Great Britain, the final in this game was 7-0 for the Canadians, who finished 2-0 while outscoring their opponents 17-0. Forward Kirsty Van Der Poll received the Player of the Game award for Great Britain, and Alanna Mah received the award for Canada.
All teams will receive a rest day on Friday before they return to the ice on Saturday, first for the Classification game between Australia and Team World to determine fifth and sixth placement. Then the two semi-final games get underway, featuring the United States against Great Britain, and Canada taking on Norway. Sunday will see the bronze medal game played at 9:30am EST, followed by gold medal game at 1:00pm EST. All games can be streamed live on the Paralympic YouTube channel, as well as on the World Para Ice Hockey's Facebook page.