To win gold at the women’s ice hockey world championships, Canada had to muzzle a high-speed American offensive machine. The task was colossal, but Maple Leaf players can say “mission accomplished”.

The Americans outrageously outplayed some of their opponents in this tournament, firing at least 57 shots against Japan, Finland, Switzerland and Hungary. Troy Ryan’s team were not spared and were beaten 5-2 in the preliminary round, mainly thanks to the winner’s 33 shots.

So the goal for the final was clear: to prevent the puck from hitting the net. The plan worked as Ann-Renée Desbiens was only the target of 21 pucks in Sunday’s 2-1 win in Herning, Denmark.

“The United States has not managed to shoot as much as they would like and as they did earlier in the tournament,” analyzed Danièle Sauvageau on Monday. We blocked footage of them and when they managed to get through to Ann-Renée Desbiens she was remarkable.

specific year

In the eyes of the woman who led the Canadian team to gold at the Salt Lake City Olympics in 2002, the victory was also down to the players’ resilience and adaptability.

In fact, the World Championships did not take place in the Olympic years before. However, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) changed the situation at a congress in 2021 so that the two events will coexist in the future.

“The Canadians made good progress over the week,” Ms. Sauvageau said. After the Olympics, they were in high demand. They had less time than usual for the so-called transitional period and then for general preparation.

In any case, experience made the difference for the Canadians in the most important moments. And the youngest were there to drink it.

“The final shot of the game was blocked by none other than Marie-Philip Poulin,” Ms Sauvageau pointed out. The veterans continued to progress and play with magic when it counted. And the youngest, who were scheduled for the Olympic Games last year, were able to take their place. […] If you look at young people, I think Canada has no one to envy.

Parity: a matter of means

Without rebelling, Danièle Sauvageau does not hide that she is tired of being questioned about the lack of equality on the women’s hockey world stage, while at the same time calling for further efforts to promote women’s hockey.

Once again, Canada and the United States took the lead on the world stage at a crucial meeting. In addition to the World Cup and the Olympic Games, the two countries have met 26 times in 28 finals since 1990.

This dominance is due to the resources employed and the development structure that allows players to continue playing hockey after school. In fact, there are still too few players able to utilize infrastructures like those found in North America, and a select few can claim to make a living thanks to their skills on the ice.

“Imagine a 23-year-old player who gets drafted into the National League but has no structure to develop and no salary,” Ms Sauvageau introduced on Monday. Would he keep playing? The answer is no. I think those are the real questions and obviously the real answers.”

Proud

Never mind, it’s not up to Canadian women to slow down. And for those who say the show’s lack of parity hurts, Ms. Sauvageau believes the essence lies beyond the show. In her opinion, it’s more the sense of pride that this Canadian win should evoke.

“I feel like a broken record,” launched Ms. Sauvageau. Was Serena Williams asked to slow down? I followed Formula 1 from afar at the weekend. There are always two, three, four pilots [qui luttent pour la victoire]. So there we have two pilots: the United States and Canada. It’s the best of women’s hockey. We must be proud of this, support it and continue to support it.”

A training World Cup for everyone, including the referees

The American accused her northern rivals of jumping during the Women’s World Cup final. In the eyes of Danièle Sauvageau, these are declarations of the good war that reflect the intensity of the rivalry.

Forward Abby Roque was crushing after the loss. “I believe several members of their team do comedy. I think it’s ridiculous,” she began bitterly, according to the Sportsnet broadcaster on Sunday.

Not condoning such accusations, the boss at Montreal’s Center 21.02 believes that the sense of injustice becomes inevitable as referees assess their tolerance of the game’s stakes.

“The officials have decided to play as in the first game,” Ms Sauvageau stated on Monday. From the moment you let things go and a violation is reported, everything becomes contentious on both sides.

progress

The refereeing may not have been perfect, but just like the players, the women in the striped jersey must have the opportunity to develop on the most beautiful stages in order to progress. Elizabeth Mantha notably had this opportunity before she broke the glass ceiling in other circles like the American Hockey League (AHL).

“One thing I may have criticized about the umpires is whistling the puck too quickly in play,” Ms. Sauvageau began. But it’s a question of positioning and habits.

“We need to make sure these women who are in refereeing are also exposed at the highest possible level. As we see here in Canada, like the Elizabeth Manthas of this world refereeing Laval Rocket games,” Ms. Sauvageau said.